Luke 1:28

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, [thou that art] highly favoured, the Lord [is] with thee: blessed [art] thou among women.

And {G2532} the angel {G32} came in {G1525} unto {G4314} her {G846}, and said {G2036}, Hail {G5463}, thou that art highly favoured {G5487}, the Lord {G2962} is with {G3326} thee {G4675}: blessed {G2127} art thou {G4771} among {G1722} women {G1135}.

Approaching her, the angel said, "Shalom, favored lady! ADONAI is with you!"

The angel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

And he came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee.

Commentary

Context

This pivotal verse marks the beginning of the Annunciation, the divine announcement to Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph, that she would conceive a son by the Holy Spirit. The angel Gabriel's appearance to Mary is a significant event in the New Testament, setting the stage for the birth of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gospel meticulously records this encounter, drawing parallels to the earlier angelic visit to Zechariah concerning John the Baptist, thereby emphasizing God's orchestrated plan of salvation unfolding through unexpected individuals.

Key Themes

  • Divine Favor and Grace: The phrase "highly favoured" is the central declaration, highlighting God's unmerited grace bestowed upon Mary. She is chosen not for any inherent human merit, but by God's sovereign and benevolent will, underscoring His practice of using humble and ordinary individuals for extraordinary divine purposes.
  • God's Presence: "The Lord is with thee" assures Mary of God's active companionship and support in the immense and challenging task ahead. This promise of divine presence is a consistent theme throughout scripture, offering comfort and strength to those called to serve God's purposes, as seen in the name Immanuel, 'God with us'.
  • Unique Blessing: Mary is uniquely "blessed among women," signifying her unparalleled role in salvation history as the chosen mother of the Messiah. This blessing sets her apart and elevates her position within God's redemptive narrative.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "highly favoured" is kecharitōmenē (κεχαριτωμένη). This is a perfect passive participle, indicating that Mary has been, and continues to be, the recipient of God's grace. It suggests a state of grace that has been conferred upon her, rather than something she achieved or earned. The greeting "Hail" (Greek: chaire) was a common salutation, but in this context, it carries profound reverence and sets the tone for the monumental announcement that follows, emphasizing the weight of the divine message.

Application and Significance

Luke 1:28 offers profound insights into God's character and His ways of working in the world. It reveals that God often chooses the humble, the overlooked, and the unexpected to accomplish His greatest works. Mary's initial reaction of perplexity (Luke 1:29) humanizes her, making God's choice even more remarkable. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's favor is a gift, not earned, and His presence is a powerful assurance for those He calls. It encourages us to embrace divine callings with faith and obedience, much like Mary's ultimate submission (Luke 1:38). This divine favor ultimately extends to all who believe, as we receive grace upon grace through Jesus Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Daniel 10:19 (23 votes)

    And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

  • Judges 6:12 (22 votes)

    And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD [is] with thee, thou mighty man of valour.

  • Luke 1:30 (20 votes)

    And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

  • Daniel 9:21 (17 votes)

    Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

  • Daniel 9:23 (17 votes)

    At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew [thee]; for thou [art] greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

  • Ephesians 1:6 (17 votes)

    To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

  • Acts 18:10 (16 votes)

    For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.