Luke 1:37 Text
King James Version (KJV)
For with God nothing shall be impossible.
World English Bible (WEB)
For nothing spoken by God is impossible.”
What Luke 1:37 Means
These words come from the angel Gabriel in answer to Mary's astonished question about how she could bear a child. The KJV says with God nothing shall be impossible, which is a famous, broad statement. The WEB renders it as nothing spoken by God is impossible, which stays closer to the Greek, where the word for spoken, rhema, ties the claim to what God has said. That nuance guards against reading the verse as a blanket promise that God will grant any wish. It says that whatever God has promised, he can carry out. Gabriel has just pointed to Elizabeth, Mary's older relative, who was thought unable to have children and was now six months pregnant, as evidence. The statement is meant to answer doubt with a specific example, not to be a slogan. Mary's response in the next verse is humble acceptance.
Context of Luke 1:37
Luke, a physician and companion of Paul according to tradition, wrote this Gospel probably in the 60s to 80s AD and drew on eyewitness accounts. This verse is part of the annunciation story in Nazareth, in which Gabriel tells Mary she will conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit. It comes directly after the announcement about Elizabeth's pregnancy and before Mary says, let it be to me according to your word. To read the whole book, see random verse from Luke.
How to Apply Luke 1:37
When a situation looks closed, ask not only what you can do but what God has actually said. It is fine to bring your honest questions, as Mary did. Pair trust with action you can take, and be patient if the answer comes slowly or differently than you hoped.
Related Verses
- Genesis 18:14 – Is any thing too hard for the LORD ? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
- Jeremiah 32:27 – Behold, I am the LORD , the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
- Matthew 19:26 – But Jesus beheld them , and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
- Job 42:2 – I know that thou canst do every thing , and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Faith, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does with God nothing shall be impossible mean?
It means God is able to do whatever he has promised, even when it seems out of reach. In context, it answered Mary's question about a miraculous birth. It is not a guarantee that every personal wish will come true.
Why does the WEB say nothing spoken by God is impossible?
The Greek word translated spoken refers to a word or declaration, so the clause is tied to what God has said. Many scholars think this wording is closer to the original. The sense is that God's promises will not fail for lack of power.
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