Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 1:38

"And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her." — Luke 1:38 (ASV)

Mary’s exemplary attitude of servanthood recalls that of Hannah when she was praying for a son (1 Samuel 1:11). Her servanthood is not a cringing slavery but a submission to God that in OT times characterized genuine believers; it should also characterize believers today (cf. v.48). Mary’s trusting submission at this point in her life may be compared with her attitude toward her Son later on (cf. Jn 2:5).