Luke 1:37
Introduction
Luke 1:37 is quoted and used frequently by Christians in a wide variety of contexts to express the belief that God is omnipotent and the hope that He will intervene in our circumstances for our benefit, whatever that might be. However, it’s often used out of context, likely because of the English translations that most people use. For example:
“For nothing will be impossible with God (ESV, NAS, NRS, CSB, LEB)”
“For nothing shall be impossible with God (DBY).”
“because nothing shall be impossible with God (YLT).”
“For with God nothing shall be impossible (KJV).”
“For with God nothing will be impossible (NKJV, RSV).”
“For there is nothing that God cannot do (GNT).”
“God can do anything (NCV)!”
The thoughtful Bible reader knows that this statement, without context, actually isn’t true. Yes, God is omnipotent. Yet, for example, “it is impossible for God to lie (Hebrews 6:18).” So, what does Luke 1:37 actually say? The literal translation of Luke 1:37 is more like this:
“For with God every spoken word will not be impossible.”
The key here is the translation of one Greek word — ῥῆμα (rhema) — which literally means “spoken word” [1] but is translated as “thing” in a general sense in most common English translations. Thankfully, there are some English translations that better capture the meaning of the Greek in this verse:
“For no word from God shall be void of power (ASV).”
“For no word from God will be void of power (HNV, WEB).”
“For no word from God will ever fail (NIV).”
“For the word of God will never fail (NLT).”
“Because no word shall be impossible with God (RHE).”
“For no promise from God will be impossible of fulfilment (WNT).”
“For every word shall not be impossible with God (WYC).”
Context
It’s important to be careful about what we think about Bible verses, and thus important to ponder and understand verses in context. In this case, the literal translation of Luke 1:37 makes perfect sense in context:
- Luke 1:26-36. The angel (messenger of God) speaks the promises of God to Mary.
- Luke 1:37. The angel affirms that the spoken word of God, just spoken to Mary, will not be impossible to fulfill.
- Luke 1:38. Mary affirms her trust in God and His spoken word:
“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”
The Greek word translated as “word” in Luke 1:38 is ῥῆμα (rhema), the same Greek word used in Luke 1:37, to help solidify the connection in context (at least for those reading in Greek).
Application
Read the written word of God, strive to understand its meaning in context, trust the word, and trust Him who inspired it.
Reference
Life 
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