Luke 1:43
New International Version
But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

New Living Translation
Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?

English Standard Version
And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Berean Standard Bible
And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Berean Literal Bible
And from where is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

King James Bible
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

New King James Version
But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

New American Standard Bible
And how has it happened to me that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

NASB 1995
“And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

NASB 1977
“And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Legacy Standard Bible
And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

Amplified Bible
And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

Christian Standard Bible
How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

American Standard Version
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me?

Contemporary English Version
Why should the mother of my Lord come to me?

English Revised Version
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I feel blessed that the mother of my Lord is visiting me.

Good News Translation
Why should this great thing happen to me, that my Lord's mother comes to visit me?

International Standard Version
Why should this happen to me, to have the mother of my Lord visit me?

Majority Standard Bible
And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

NET Bible
And who am I that the mother of my Lord should come and visit me?

New Heart English Bible
Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Webster's Bible Translation
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Weymouth New Testament
But why is this honour done me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

World English Bible
Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and from where [is] this to me, that the mother of my Lord might come to me?

Berean Literal Bible
And from where is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Young's Literal Translation
and whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord might come unto me?

Smith's Literal Translation
And whence this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And how does this concern me, so that the mother of my Lord would come to me?

New American Bible
And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

New Revised Standard Version
And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
How does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“From where is this to me that the mother of my Lord would come to me?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Godbey New Testament
And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord may come unto me?

Haweis New Testament
And whence is this favour shewn me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Mace New Testament
"Blessed mother of the most blessed offspring! what an honour is this, that I should be visited by the mother of our Lord!

Weymouth New Testament
But why is this honour done me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Worrell New Testament
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me!

Worsley New Testament
and whence is this honor to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Mary Visits Elizabeth
42In a loud voice she exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44For as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.…

Cross References
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”).

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.

John 20:28
Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!”

Philippians 2:6-7
Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Hebrews 1:6
And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all God’s angels worship Him.”

Micah 5:2
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.

Matthew 2:11
On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.

John 1:49
“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

Colossians 1:15-16
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. / For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Revelation 12:5
And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was caught up to God and to His throne.

Psalm 110:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”

Romans 9:5
Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them proceeds the human descent of Christ, who is God over all, forever worthy of praise! Amen.

Galatians 4:4
But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

1 Timothy 3:16
By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.


Treasury of Scripture

And what is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

whence.

Luke 7:7
Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

Ruth 2:10
Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

1 Samuel 25:41
And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.

my.

Luke 20:42-44
And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, …

Psalm 110:1
A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

John 13:13
Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

Jump to Previous
Favored Granted Honour Mother Whence
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Favored Granted Honour Mother Whence
Luke 1
1. The preface of Luke to his whole gospel.
5. The conception of John the Baptist;
26. and of Jesus.
39. The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus.
57. The nativity and circumcision of John.
67. The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus,
76. and of John.














And why am I so honored
This phrase reflects Elizabeth's humility and awe. The Greek word for "honored" here is "τιμή" (timē), which conveys a sense of value, respect, and reverence. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes the profound significance of Mary's visit. In a cultural context where honor and shame were pivotal, Elizabeth's acknowledgment of being honored underscores her recognition of God's divine plan unfolding before her. This humility is a model for believers, reminding us to approach God's work in our lives with reverence and gratitude.

that the mother of my Lord
The term "mother of my Lord" is deeply significant. The Greek word "κύριος" (kyrios) is used here for "Lord," a title that denotes authority and divinity. Elizabeth, through the Holy Spirit, acknowledges the unborn Jesus as her Lord, a profound declaration of faith. This is one of the earliest confessions of Jesus' divine nature in the New Testament. The phrase also highlights the unique role of Mary as Theotokos, or "God-bearer," a term used in early Christian theology to affirm the incarnation of Christ. This recognition of Jesus' lordship even before His birth is a testament to the divine revelation and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah.

should come to me?
Elizabeth's question is rhetorical, expressing her wonder and humility. The Greek verb "ἔρχομαι" (erchomai) means "to come" or "to arrive." In the historical context, Elizabeth's statement reflects the social norms of the time, where a younger woman like Mary would typically show deference to an elder like Elizabeth. Yet, Elizabeth reverses this expectation, acknowledging the greater honor of Mary's visit due to the child she carries. This moment is a powerful reminder of God's kingdom values, where the last shall be first, and the humble are exalted. Elizabeth's response is an invitation for believers to recognize and celebrate God's presence and work in unexpected ways and through unexpected people.

(43) Whence is this to me . . .?--The sudden inspiration bids Elizabeth, rising above all lower thoughts, to recognise that the child of Mary would be also the Son of the Highest. The contrast leaves no room for doubt that she used the word "Lord" in its highest sense. "Great "as her own son was to be (Luke 1:15) in the sight of the Lord, here was the mother of One yet greater, even of the Lord Himself.

Verse 43. - And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? But the Holy Ghost (verse 41) raised Elisabeth's thoughts yet higher. Not only did she bless the mother of the coming Messiah, but the Spirit opened her eyes to see who that coming Messiah really was. Very vague indeed was the conception of the coming Messiah in Israel. The truth was, perhaps, revealed, and in rapt moments received by men like Isaiah and Ezekiel; and now and again men like David; Daniel wrote down visions and revelations respecting the Coming One, the true purport of which vision they scarcely grasped. Generally the Messianic idea among the people pictured a hero greater than Saul, a conqueror more successful than David, a sovereign more magnificent than Solomon. They pictured ever the glorious arm sustaining the coming Hero-King; but few, if any, dreamed of the "glorious arm" belonging to their future Deliverer. But here the Spirit in a moment revealed to the happy wife of the priest Zacharias that the Babe to be born of her young kinswoman was not only the promised Messiah, but was the awful Son of the Highest! Think, reader, what these simple words we are considering signify! Why am I so favored "that the mother of my Lord should come to me"? "The contrast leaves no room for doubt," well argues Dean Plumptre, "that she used the word 'Lord' in its highest sense. 'Great' as her own son was to be (verse 15) in the sight of the Lord, here was the mother of One yet greater, even of the Lord himself."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

why
πόθεν (pothen)
Adverb
Strong's 4159: From the base of posis with enclitic adverb of origin; from which or what place, state, source or cause.

am I
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

so [honored],
τοῦτο (touto)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mother
μήτηρ (mētēr)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3384: A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'.

of
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

Lord
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

should come
ἔλθῃ (elthē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

me?
ἐμέ (eme)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.


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NT Gospels: Luke 1:43 Why am I so favored that (Luke Lu Lk)
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