Definition: And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed [is] the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 11:27. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising passage! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: The woman is expressing immense gratitude and admiration for the miracle of life that happened to her – specifically, for the baby she bore. She’s saying, “Thank you, God, for bringing this little one into the world!” Let's unpack it further: “As he spake these things…” : This tells us this is happening while Jesus is speaking to someone. “…a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice…” : This describes a woman who is talking and expressing something significant. It’s not a casual conversation; she's making a statement. “And said unto him, Blessed [is] the womb that bore thee…” : This is the core of the verse. "Blessed" means “happy” or “praise.” She’s saying, “May God bless this womb!” She’s expressing joy and appreciation for the miracle of life within her. “and the paps which thou hast sucked?” : This is where it gets a little strange! The word "paps" is a very old term for breasts. So, she's saying, “May this womb continue to produce life and nurture children.” It’s a way of acknowledging the biological miracle of reproduction. The Significance (and why it’s thought to be a bit unusual): This verse is often interpreted as an example of divine providence – that God has a plan for everything, even seemingly random events like pregnancy. It suggests that God isn't just doing things; He's bringing them into being and ensuring their continuation. Important Note: The exact meaning and context of this verse are debated among theologians and biblical scholars. Some see it as a symbolic expression of the miracle of life, while others view it as an example of God’s care for humanity. --- In short, this verse is about profound gratitude and acknowledging the incredible miracle of new life – specifically, the birth of a child. Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example: Are you curious about its historical context? Would you like me to explain why it’s been interpreted in different ways?