Luke 1:37

Luke 1:37, in plain English

The angel finishes by saying, 'Nothing is impossible with God.'

Why it's here

Six simple words that change everything. The same God who created the universe from nothing can certainly bring a child from a virgin. Nothing is beyond Him.

Who's speaking

Gabriel makes the ultimate statement of faith.

Where it sits in the story

This is the sentence that anchors everything. No prayer too big, no situation too hopeless, no dream too impossible. With God, nothing is off the table.

The scholarly reading

Gabriel delivers the theological foundation: 'Ouk adunatēsei para tou Theou pan rhēma' (no word/thing from God will be impossible/without power).

Language and setting

This echoes Genesis 18:14 ('Is anything too hard for the LORD?') spoken regarding Sarah's miraculous conception. The word rhema can mean both 'word' and 'thing,' implying God's words have inherent creative power.

Voice

Gabriel concludes with a declaration of God's limitless power.

Significance

Gabriel's final statement is the theological key: nothing God declares is impossible. His words carry the power to accomplish what they announce. This is the basis of all faith.

35The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.

36Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month.

37For no word from God will ever fail.”

38“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.

39In those days Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah,

Read all of Luke 1 — A physician writes the most detailed account of Jesus' life. Luke notices the people others overlook — the poor, the outcast, the women, the forgotten.