Luke 1:37 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:37 mean?

Luke 1:37 says that nothing is impossible for God, emphasizing that God’s power has no limits. This statement assures the reader that even things that seem completely unachievable to humans are possible when God is involved.

In Luke 1:37, the angel Gabriel is speaking to Mary after telling her she will give birth to Jesus, even though she is a virgin. Gabriel’s words come just after he mentions Elizabeth, Mary’s relative, who is also miraculously pregnant in old age. The verse is meant to reassure Mary that God can do what seems impossible by human standards.

The Greek behind Luke 1:37

• οὐ (ou, G3756) and πᾶν (pan, G3956) together mean “nothing.” The Greek construction here is strong, ruling out any exception—absolutely nothing is beyond God’s ability.
• ῥῆμα (rhēma, G4487) is often translated “word” or “thing.” In this context, it points to any matter or promise God speaks; not a single one will be impossible.
• ἀδυνατέω (adunateō, G101) means “to be impossible” or “to be powerless.” The Greek here carries the sense that no word or act from God will ever lack the power to happen.

Why Luke 1:37 matters

• Luke 1:37 clarifies that the focus is not just on God’s general power, but specifically on God’s ability to fulfill His promises, no matter how unlikely they seem.
• The verse connects the miraculous pregnancies of both Elizabeth and Mary, showing that God’s work in their lives is part of a larger pattern of divine possibility.
• This statement from Gabriel is meant to remove doubt and encourage trust, especially when God’s plans seem beyond human explanation.