Luke 1:28-42
28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”
29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.
30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.
32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,
33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.
36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.
37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”
38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah,
40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit,
42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
Luke 1:28-42: Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 28: “And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!'”
The angel Gabriel greets Mary with a message of divine favor. This greeting sets the tone for the extraordinary announcement to follow. The phrase “the Lord is with you” signifies God’s special presence and blessing.
Verse 29: “But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.”
Mary is initially confused and disturbed by the angel’s greeting. Her reaction shows her humility and the unexpected nature of the divine message.
Verse 30: “And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.’
Gabriel reassures Mary, addressing her fear. He emphasizes that she has found favor with God, indicating her special role in God’s plan.
Verse 31: “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.”
The angel reveals the core of the message: Mary will conceive and give birth to a son named Jesus. This name means “The Lord saves,” highlighting the child’s future mission.
Verse 32: “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,”
Gabriel describes Jesus’ future greatness and divine sonship. The reference to the throne of David connects Jesus to the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament.
Verse 33: “and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
Jesus’ reign is described as eternal, fulfilling the promise of an everlasting kingdom. This verse underscores the eternal nature of Christ’s kingship.
Verse 34: “And Mary said to the angel, ‘How will this be, since I am a virgin?’
Mary questions the angel, seeking understanding. Her question reflects her innocence and the miraculous nature of the conception.
Verse 35: “And the angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.’
Gabriel explains that the Holy Spirit will enable the miraculous conception. The child will be holy and called the Son of God, emphasizing his divine origin.
Verse 36: “And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.”
The angel provides a sign to Mary by mentioning Elizabeth’s miraculous pregnancy. This serves to strengthen Mary’s faith in God’s power.
Verse 37: “For nothing will be impossible with God.’
Gabriel concludes with a powerful statement about God’s omnipotence. This reassures Mary that God’s promises will be fulfilled.
Verse 38: “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”
Mary responds with humility and obedience, accepting God’s will. Her response exemplifies faith and submission to God’s plan.
Verse 39: “In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah,”
Mary quickly travels to visit Elizabeth. This shows her eagerness to see the sign given by the angel and to share in Elizabeth’s joy.
Verse 40: “and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.”
Mary arrives at Elizabeth’s home and greets her. This sets the stage for the significant interaction that follows.
Verse 41: “And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit,”
Elizabeth’s baby, John the Baptist, reacts to Mary’s greeting, indicating the presence of the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth herself is filled with the Holy Spirit, preparing her to speak prophetically.
Verse 42: “and she exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!’
Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, proclaims Mary’s blessedness. She recognizes the significance of Mary’s child, Jesus, even before his birth.