1:43a

And: This verse begins with a Greek conjunction that is most often translated as “and,” as in the Berean Standard Bible. Some other English versions, such as the New International Version, translate it as “but” to reflect a contrast between Elizabeth’s awareness of the way that God has honored Mary and her sense of her own humble position. Still other English translations do not translate this conjunction. Connect 1:43 to 1:42 in a natural way in your language. In some languages a conjunction may not be needed.

why am I so honored: This is a rhetorical question. The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as why am I so honored is literally “From where this to me?” It expresses amazement. Elizabeth was amazed that the mother of the Messiah had come to visit her, because she felt unworthy of this honor.

Some ways to translate this to express amazement and Elizabeth’s sense of being unworthy are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

How is it possible…?
-or-
But why am I so favored…? (New International Version)
-or-
Who am I…? (Revised English Bible)

• As a statement. For example:

I do not deserve this honor…!
-or-
I feel blessed…. (God’s Word)

Express this amazement in a natural way in your language.

1:43b

the mother of my Lord: The Holy Spirit showed Elizabeth that the baby in Mary’s womb was the Lord. He was the Christ/Messiah, the one God had promised to send to save his people.

Elizabeth was speaking directly to Mary here. In some languages it may be necessary to make this clear by using a form such as “you.” For example:

⌊you who are⌋ the mother of my Lord

Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lord means “master, one who has authority over others.” The word Lord was one of the terms that the Jews used to refer to God. Here the word Lord refers specifically to the Messiah.

Some other ways to translate Lord are:

Master
-or-
Chief

come: In this context, the word come refers to “coming for a visit.” So you can translate the word come as:

come and visit (NET Bible)
-or-
visit (Revised English Bible)
-or-
come and see

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