Luke 1:29

KJV

And when she saw [him], she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when she saw {G1492} him, she was troubled {G1298} at {G1909} his {G846} saying {G3056}, and {G2532} cast in her mind {G1260} what manner {G4217} of salutation {G783} this {G3778} should be {G1498}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She was deeply troubled by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

Berean Standard Bible

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

American Standard Version

But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this might be.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:29 captures Mary's immediate, deeply human reaction to the angel Gabriel's unprecedented greeting. Far from being elated or proud, she was profoundly disturbed and perplexed by the nature of such an extraordinary salutation, earnestly pondering its meaning and implications in her mind. This initial response reveals her humble character and sets the stage for the miraculous divine revelation that follows concerning the birth of Jesus, the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the annunciation narrative, directly following Gabriel’s initial address to Mary in [Luke 1:28](/luke/1-28 "The Angel Gabriel Greets Mary"). The angel has just pronounced her "highly favored" and "blessed among women," a greeting unlike any other she would have received. Mary's reaction in Luke 1:29 is crucial for understanding her character and the profound nature of the divine encounter. It precedes the angel’s astonishing announcement of Jesus’ miraculous conception and birth in [Luke 1:30-37](/luke/1-30-37 "Gabriel's Prophecy of Jesus' Birth"), culminating in Mary’s faithful submission in [Luke 1:38](/luke/1-38 "Mary's Response of Faith"). Her internal struggle and careful deliberation highlight the gravity of the moment and underscore the supernatural origin of the message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Mary was a young, humble virgin living in Nazareth, a relatively obscure Galilean village. In first-century Jewish society, a woman’s status was largely defined by her family and her role within it. The idea of a heavenly messenger appearing to an ordinary, unmarried woman with such a monumental pronouncement would have been utterly outside the realm of normal experience or expectation. Angelic appearances, while recorded in Israel’s history, were rare and often accompanied by fear and awe, as seen in the reactions of figures like Daniel ([Daniel 10:7-9](/daniel/10-7-9 "Daniel's Reaction to the Angelic Vision")) or Zechariah, Mary’s kinsman, earlier in [Luke 1:11-12](/luke/1-11-12 "Zechariah's Fear at the Angel's Appearance"). Mary’s betrothal to Joseph also meant that any pregnancy outside of marriage would carry severe social stigma and potential legal repercussions, adding to the weight of the angel's words.
* **Key Themes:** Mary's reaction in this verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Her initial response underscores the **humility and modesty** of God's chosen instruments; she is not filled with pride but with perplexity. This moment also emphasizes the **awe and often unsettling nature of divine encounter**, where human understanding is challenged by the supernatural. Furthermore, her "casting in her mind" highlights the theme of **pondering and deliberation** in the face of God's revelation, a characteristic seen in other faithful individuals throughout Scripture who carefully consider God's word, such as Mary herself later in [Luke 2:19](/luke/2-19 "Mary Pondering Things in Her Heart") and [Luke 2:51](/luke/2-51 "Mary Keeping and Pondering All These Things").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **troubled (Greek, _diatarássō'_):** This word, G1298, means to disturb wholly or agitate with alarm. It signifies a profound inward turmoil, a deep disquietude, rather than mere surprise. Mary was not just a little confused; she was deeply unsettled and thrown into a state of emotional and mental agitation by the angel's words. This emphasizes the overwhelming nature of a divine encounter for a human being.
* **cast in her mind (Greek, _dialogízomai'_):** G1260, derived from _dia_ (through) and _logízomai_ (to reckon), means to reckon thoroughly, to deliberate, or to reason within oneself. It implies an active, intense, and internal process of thought, a pondering or musing. Mary was not passively confused but was actively trying to comprehend the implications and significance of Gabriel's salutation, attempting to reconcile it with her understanding of reality.
* **salutation (Greek, _aspasmós'_):** G783 refers to a greeting, whether in person or by letter. In this context, it is the specific form of address the angel used: "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you" ([Luke 1:28](/luke/1-28 "Gabriel's Greeting to Mary")). Mary's perplexity was not merely about the angel's presence, but specifically about the *manner* and *content* of this unprecedented greeting, which seemed to elevate her to an impossibly high status.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when she saw [him],"**: This clause establishes the immediate context of Mary's reaction. The "him" refers to the angel Gabriel, whose sudden appearance and divine presence would naturally evoke a powerful response. The act of seeing initiates her internal turmoil.
* **"she was troubled at his saying,"**: This is the core of Mary's initial emotional state. The Greek word _diatarássō_ underscores a deep agitation, not just mild surprise. Her distress was specifically "at his saying" (Greek _lógos_), meaning the content and implications of Gabriel's greeting, particularly the pronouncement of her being "highly favored" and "blessed among women."
* **"and cast in her mind"**: This phrase describes Mary's active mental process in response to her troubled state. The verb _dialogízomai_ indicates an intense internal deliberation, a deep pondering and reasoning. She was not just confused but actively trying to make sense of the extraordinary words she had heard.
* **"what manner of salutation this should be."**: This final clause clarifies the object of Mary's mental struggle. She was trying to understand the *nature* or *type* of greeting it was. Why was she, a humble virgin, being addressed in such an unprecedented and exalted way by a heavenly messenger? This question highlights her humility and her desire to understand God's will rather than immediately embrace a position of honor.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey Mary's profound reaction. **Characterization** is immediately evident, as Mary's humility and thoughtful nature are established through her troubled response and internal deliberation, contrasting with Zechariah's doubt earlier in the chapter. There is also an element of **dramatic irony**, as the reader, privy to the divine plan, understands the immense significance of the "salutation" that Mary is struggling to comprehend. Her bewilderment **foreshadows** the extraordinary and unprecedented events that are about to unfold, signaling that the birth of Jesus will defy all human expectations and understanding. The narrative also uses **pathos** to evoke empathy for Mary's vulnerable and overwhelmed state in the face of the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mary's troubled reaction to Gabriel's greeting is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine encounter and human response. It highlights that God's favor often comes in unexpected and overwhelming ways, challenging our preconceived notions and demanding a deep, humble wrestling with His will. Her pondering is not doubt, but a genuine search for understanding, mirroring the theological process of grappling with divine truth. This humility and careful consideration are often prerequisites for receiving and embracing God's grand purposes, demonstrating that true blessedness is not met with immediate pride, but with a reverent awe and a desire to comprehend the divine mystery.

* [Luke 1:38](/luke/1-38 "Mary's Submissive Response to God's Will")
* [Judges 6:12-15](/judges/6-12-15 "Gideon's Troubled Reaction to the Angel of the Lord")
* [Daniel 10:7-9](/daniel/10-7-9 "Daniel's Fear and Weakness Before the Angelic Vision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mary's response to Gabriel’s greeting offers a powerful model for believers encountering God's unexpected callings or profound blessings. Her initial "troubled" state reminds us that divine encounters are often unsettling, challenging our comfort zones and natural understanding. We are encouraged not to dismiss or immediately embrace, but to "cast in our mind"—to ponder deeply, to seek understanding, and to wrestle with the implications of God's word in our lives. This thoughtful deliberation, rooted in humility, prepares our hearts to receive and respond faithfully, just as Mary's wrestling led to her profound "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" ([Luke 1:38](/luke/1-38 "Mary's Faithful Submission")). It teaches us that true faith is not blind acceptance, but a humble, discerning, and ultimately submissive response to the overwhelming reality of God's presence and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when God's plans or blessings in your life are unexpected or challenge your understanding?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to "cast in your mind" and ponder God's word more deeply, rather than reacting immediately?**
* **What does Mary's humility in this moment teach us about receiving divine favor without pride?**

### FAQ

**Why was Mary troubled by the angel's greeting, rather than joyful or excited?**

Answer: Mary was troubled because the greeting was profoundly unusual and overwhelming, not because it was negative. The angel Gabriel's salutation, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you" ([Luke 1:28](/luke/1-28 "Gabriel's Greeting to Mary")), was an unprecedented declaration of divine favor directed at a humble, unmarried virgin. In a culture where such divine encounters were rare and often accompanied by awe and fear, and where a woman's status was typically modest, being singled out in such an exalted manner by a heavenly messenger was deeply disquieting. Her "trouble" (Greek _diatarássō_) indicates a deep agitation and perplexity, as she struggled to comprehend the meaning and implications of such an extraordinary address, especially for someone of her humble standing. It was a reaction of awe and bewilderment in the face of the truly miraculous, rather than a lack of faith or joy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mary's troubled pondering in Luke 1:29 serves as a poignant foreshadowing of humanity's encounter with the Incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. The "salutation" she received was not merely a personal greeting but the initial announcement of the coming of God into human flesh, the ultimate divine "Word" ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). Just as Mary was deeply troubled and pondered "what manner of salutation this should be," so too would the world be troubled and forced to ponder the "manner" of this Messiah – a King born in a manger, a Savior who would suffer and die. Her initial bewilderment gives way to a profound faith, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" ([Luke 1:38](/luke/1-38 "Mary's Submission")), mirroring the journey of all who must grapple with the mystery of the cross before embracing the salvation offered by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Ultimately, Mary's troubled heart found peace in the person of Christ, the true "salutation" of God to humanity, bringing grace and truth ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 10:17

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

Luke 1:12

And when Zacharias saw [him], he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

Acts 10:4

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

Mark 6:49

But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

Mark 6:50

For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

Luke 2:19

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart.

1 Samuel 9:20

And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom [is] all the desire of Israel? [Is it] not on thee, and on all thy father's house?