Definition: And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 2:38. It’s a really beautiful and important moment in the story of Jesus' birth! Here’s what it means in simple terms: “And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” Let’s unpack each part: "And she coming in that instant..." : This is a key point. It means that Mary, who was about to give birth, immediately began to pray and express her gratitude to God. It wasn't a long or thoughtful prayer; it was a quick, heartfelt expression of thanks. She felt a deep sense of relief and appreciation. "...gave thanks likewise unto the Lord..." : This is the core of the verse . “Likewise” means "also" or "in the same way." So, she wasn't just saying thank you; she was expressing a wholehearted gratitude to God. She truly appreciated His presence and plan for her child. "...and spake of him..." : This means she began to speak about Jesus – his name, his coming, his purpose, etc. She wasn't just thinking about him; she was actively sharing her thoughts and feelings about Him. "...to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem." : This is where it gets really significant. "Redemption" means being saved from sin or wrong. “They” refers to everyone who was expecting a Messiah – someone who would come to save them. Specifically, this includes the Jewish people in Jerusalem at the time. Luke says they were looking for redemption because they believed Jesus was coming to bring salvation to their nation. So, putting it all together: Mary's immediate expression of gratitude and subsequent sharing of her thoughts about Jesus – particularly emphasizing his arrival and potential for saving them – shows that she truly recognized God’s plan and felt a deep connection to Him. It’s a powerful moment of faith and anticipation. Why is this verse important? This verse is considered one of the very first expressions of praise from Mary, which is significant because it's the beginning of her role as a witness to Jesus’ birth. It shows that she was already anticipating and believing in the coming of God’s Messiah! --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Talk about the significance of this passage within the larger story of Genesis?