Mary Visits Elisabeth

39 Then Mary got up and went quickly into the high lands, to a town of Judah; 40 And went into the house of Zacharias and took Elisabeth in her arms. 41 And when the voice of Mary came to the ears of Elisabeth, the baby made a sudden move inside her; then Elisabeth was full of the Holy Spirit, 42 And she said with a loud voice: May blessing be on you among women, and a blessing on the child of your body. 43 How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For, truly, when the sound of your voice came to my ears, the baby in my body made a sudden move for joy. 45 Happy will she be who had faith that the things which the Lord has said to her will be done. 46 And Mary said: My soul gives glory to God; 47 My spirit is glad in God my Saviour. 48 For he has had pity on his servant, though she is poor and lowly placed: and from this hour will all generations give witness to the blessing which has come to me. 49 For he who is strong has done great things for me; and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is for all generations in whom is the fear of him. 51 With his arm he has done acts of power; he has put to flight those who have pride in their hearts. 52 He has put down kings from their seats, lifting up on high the men of low degree. 53 Those who had no food he made full of good things; the men of wealth he sent away with nothing in their hands; 54 His help he has given to Israel, his servant, so that he might keep in mind his mercy to Abraham and his seed for ever, 55 As he gave his word to our fathers. 56 And Mary was with her for about three months and then went back to her house.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 1:39-56

Commentary on Luke 1:39-56

(Read Luke 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.