A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 11:28

"But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." — Luke 11:28 (ASV)

But he said (αυτος δε ειπεν). Jesus in contrast turns attention to others and gives them a beatitude (μακαριο). "The originality of Christ's reply guarantees its historical character. Such a comment is beyond the reach of an inventor" (Plummer).