Luke 1:40

And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

1:39-56 It is very good for those who have the work of grace begun in their souls, to communicate one to another. On Mary's arrival, Elisabeth was conscious of the approach of her who was to be the mother of the great Redeemer. At the same time she was filled with the Holy Ghost, and under his influence declared that Mary and her expected child were most blessed and happy, as peculiarly honoured of and dear to the Most High God. Mary, animated by Elisabeth's address, and being also under the influence of the Holy Ghost, broke out into joy, admiration, and gratitude. She knew herself to be a sinner who needed a Saviour, and that she could no otherwise rejoice in God than as interested in his salvation through the promised Messiah. Those who see their need of Christ, and are desirous of righteousness and life in him, he fills with good things, with the best things; and they are abundantly satisfied with the blessings he gives. He will satisfy the desires of the poor in spirit who long for spiritual blessings, while the self-sufficient shall be sent empty away.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Saluted Elizabeth - Expressed great joy and gratification at seeing her, and used the customary tokens of affectionate salutation.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

40. saluted Elisabeth—now returned from her seclusion (Lu 1:24).

Matthew Poole's Commentary

See Poole on "Luke 1:39"

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And entered into the house of Zacharias, &c. Which was in the above city, and might be well known to her: and saluted Elisabeth; not Zacharias; either because he was not at home; or because he was deaf and dumb, and could neither hear her salutation, nor return it; or because it was not usual for women to salute men, nor men to salute women; See Gill on Luke 1:29, yet one woman might salute another; and especially Mary saluted Elisabeth, because she came to pay the visit to her, and it was with her she was principally concerned.

Geneva Study Bible

And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Bengel's Gnomen

Luke 1:40. Ἠσπάσατο, saluted) The salutations of the saints and those of the ungodly are altogether different. No mere effort of reason can comprehend how powerfully moving and how effectual is the will of the saints, which draws its resources from God by faith and love, and then turns the tide of them on friends capable of receiving them [susceptible to them].

Luke 1:40

Vincent's Word Studies

Entered into the house

"This detail," says Godet, "serves to put the reader in sympathy with the emotion of Mary at the moment of her arrival. With her first glance at Elizabeth she recognized the truth of the sign that had been given her by the angel, and at this sight the promise she had herself received acquired a startling reality."