For no word from GodThis phrase emphasizes the absolute reliability and authority of God's word. In the biblical context, God's word is often equated with His promises and decrees, which are unfailing and eternal. This assurance is rooted in the character of God, who is unchanging and faithful. The phrase echoes the Old Testament, where God's word is depicted as powerful and effective, such as in
Isaiah 55:11, which states that God's word will not return void but will accomplish what He desires. The phrase also connects to the creation narrative in Genesis, where God's spoken word brings the universe into existence, highlighting the creative and sustaining power of His word.
will ever fail.
This part of the verse underscores the certainty and infallibility of God's promises. Historically, the context of this statement is the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary about the miraculous birth of Jesus, affirming that what seems impossible to humans is possible with God. The cultural context of the time was one of expectation and longing for the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, particularly the coming of the Messiah. This assurance is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His purposes despite human limitations. Theologically, it points to the faithfulness of God throughout the biblical narrative, from the promises made to Abraham to the fulfillment in Christ, and it encourages believers to trust in God's promises for the future.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Gabriel- The angel who delivers God's message to Mary, announcing the miraculous birth of Jesus. Gabriel is a messenger of God, often associated with delivering important divine revelations.
2.
Mary- A young virgin in Nazareth, chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. Her faith and obedience are central to the account of Jesus' birth.
3.
Elizabeth- Mary's relative, who miraculously conceives John the Baptist in her old age. Her pregnancy is a sign of God's power and faithfulness.
4.
Nazareth- The town in Galilee where Mary lives. It is a humble and seemingly insignificant place, highlighting God's ability to work through the unexpected.
5.
The Annunciation- The event where Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit. This marks the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise of a Savior.
Teaching Points
God's OmnipotenceGod's power is limitless, and His promises are always fulfilled. Believers can trust in His ability to accomplish what seems impossible.
Faith in God's PromisesLike Mary, we are called to have faith in God's word, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. Our faith should rest in His unchanging nature.
God's Timing and PlanGod's plans often unfold in ways that defy human understanding. Trusting in His timing is crucial, as His ways are higher than ours.
Encouragement in TrialsIn times of doubt or difficulty, remember that God's word never fails. This assurance can provide comfort and strength to persevere.
The Role of ObedienceMary's response to God's message was one of obedience and submission. We are encouraged to respond similarly to God's calling in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 1:37?
2.How does Luke 1:37 inspire confidence in God's power in our lives?
3.What examples in Scripture demonstrate "nothing will be impossible with God"?
4.How can we apply the truth of Luke 1:37 to daily challenges?
5.In what ways does Luke 1:37 encourage faith during difficult circumstances?
6.How does understanding Luke 1:37 strengthen our trust in God's promises?
7.How does Luke 1:37 support the belief in God's omnipotence?
8.What historical evidence supports the events described in Luke 1?
9.How does archaeology corroborate the context of Luke 1:37?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 1?
11.If God is all-powerful, can He create a rock so heavy He can’t lift it?
12.Can God create an unliftable rock?
13.Must Christians believe in miracles?
14.What does "Nothing Will Be Impossible with God" mean?What Does Luke 1:37 Mean
ForThe angel’s words begin with a connecting “for,” tying the promise of Jesus’ virgin birth (Luke 1:31-35) to God’s unwavering power.
• It looks back to Mary’s question, “How will this be?” and answers it by pointing forward to God’s ability (Luke 1:34-35).
• Scripture often uses “for” to ground a command or promise in God’s character—seeGenesis 18:14 “Is anything too difficult for the LORD?” andJeremiah 32:17 “You have made the heavens and the earth … Nothing is too difficult for You.”
• The link reminds us that faith never floats in mid-air; it rests on who God is and what He has spoken.
no wordEvery single utterance of God is in view—nothing He says is expendable.
•Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”
•Isaiah 40:8 “The word of our God stands forever.”
•2 Timothy 3:16 affirms that “All Scripture is God-breathed,” underscoring that each statement carries divine authority.
• From creation’s “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3) to Revelation’s closing promise (Revelation 22:20), God’s words form an unbreakable chain.
from GodThe reliability of the promise is rooted in its source.
•Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that He should lie.”
•Hebrews 6:18 says “it is impossible for God to lie”; therefore, His promises are as certain as His nature.
• When Paul was caught in a storm he declared, “I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me” (Acts 27:25), a living illustration of this clause.
• Because the promise to Mary originates with God, it contains within itself all the power needed for fulfillment.
will everThe future tense plus the word “ever” stretches God’s faithfulness across all time.
•Psalm 119:89 “Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens.”
•1 Peter 1:25 “The word of the Lord stands forever.”
• This forward-looking certainty assures Mary—and us—that no expiration date hangs over God’s promises.
failThe term pictures a word falling short, coming up empty, or lacking power—something God’s word simply cannot do.
•Joshua 21:45 recounts, “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.”
•Jeremiah 1:12 “I am watching over My word to perform it.”
•Isaiah 55:10-11 compares God’s word to rain that always produces a crop; it “will not return to Me empty.”
• InLuke 1 itself, Elizabeth’s pregnancy (Luke 1:24-25) showcases a recent, concrete example that God’s promises do not misfire.
summaryLuke 1:37 assures Mary—and every believer—that God’s spoken promise is unstoppable: sourced in His flawless character, effective in every generation, and guaranteed never to fall to the ground unfulfilled. What He says, He does; what He promises, He performs. Our task is simple: take Him at His word and watch His faithfulness unfold.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.nothingῥῆμα(rhēma)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4487:From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.will be impossibleἀδυνατήσει(adynatēsei)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 101:To be impossible; I am unable. From adunatos; to be unable, i.e. impossible.withπαρὰ(para)Preposition
Strong's 3844:Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.God.”Θεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.
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NT Gospels: Luke 1:37 For everything spoken by God is possible (Luke Lu Lk)