New Testament
Luke 1:39
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see Mary, the mother of Jesus, taking immediate action after receiving the news from the angel Gabriel about her miraculous pregnancy.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
In those days, Mary got up and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah.
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Mary, the mother of Jesus, taking immediate action after receiving the news from the angel Gabriel about her miraculous pregnancy. Her decision to travel to a town in the hill country of Judah shows her eagerness and urgency. This journey likely reflects her desire to seek support and share her experience with her relative Elizabeth, who was also expecting a child. The phrase 'with haste' emphasizes her determination and the significance of the moment. Mary’s actions demonstrate her faith and willingness to embrace her role in God’s plan, despite the challenges she might face. This moment marks the beginning of a profound relationship between Mary and Elizabeth, as they both experience the miraculous work of God in their lives. Mary's journey is not just a physical one; it symbolizes her spiritual journey and readiness to accept God's will, showcasing her courage and faithfulness in uncertain times. Explore related obedience.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 1:39 to your life
When faced with significant life changes or challenges, we can learn from Mary’s example of taking action and seeking support from others. It’s important to respond to God’s calling with urgency and faith, trusting that He has a plan for us.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 1:39 mean?
Luke 1:39 describes Mary’s swift journey to a town in the hill country of Judah after learning from the angel Gabriel about her pregnancy. This action reflects her eagerness to seek support from her relative Elizabeth, who was also expecting a child, highlighting her faith and readiness to embrace her role in God's plan.
Why did Mary go to the hill country in Luke 1:39?
Mary traveled to the hill country to visit her relative Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. This visit signifies the importance of community support during significant life events and shows Mary's desire to share her miraculous experience.
What does 'with haste' mean in Luke 1:39?
The phrase 'with haste' indicates that Mary acted quickly and with urgency in response to the angel's message. It emphasizes her determination and the significance of her journey, reflecting her commitment to God's calling.
What is the significance of Mary's journey in Luke 1:39?
Mary's journey to visit Elizabeth symbolizes her acceptance of God's will and her faith in the miraculous events unfolding in her life. It marks the beginning of a supportive relationship between the two women as they both experience divine intervention.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
Unlock the full Luke summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.