Bible Strands
Luke 11:28
But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses a crowd that has just included a woman praising His biological mother. He responds to her declaration by redirecting the basis of true blessing.
The words — The Greek term μακάριοι (makarioi) means “blessed,” and ἀκούοντες (akouontes) translates to “hearing.” These terms frame the verse’s core contrast between physical lineage and spiritual attentiveness.
The thread — The text explicitly links hearing God’s word with obedience in Luke 6:47 and Luke 8:21. This structural pattern aligns with the blessing framework found in Psalms 112:1.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to prioritize attentive listening and compliance over external or biological markers of honor. It demands a practical shift in how one measures spiritual favor.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
Cross-references
- Luke 6:47 I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them:
- Luke 8:21 But He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and carry it out.”
- Psalms 112:1 Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments.
- James 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.
- John 13:17 If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
- Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.
- Isaiah 48:17 Thus says the LORD your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who directs you in the way you should go.
- 1 John 3:21 Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God,
- Psalms 119:1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD.
- Psalms 128:1 A song of ascents. Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways!