Luke 1:28
And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The angel's greeting, "Greetings, O favored one," doesn't just mean Mary is lucky; it signifies she has received a unique, undeserved favor from God. This phrase, often translated as "highly favored" or "graced," points to her being chosen and bestowed with divine grace, not necessarily to a unique status beyond that of other believers, but a specific role in God's plan.
The angel Gabriel has just been sent from God to the obscure town of Nazareth, specifically to a young virgin named Mary who is engaged to Joseph. He enters her home, and before revealing the astonishing news he carries, he addresses her with this greeting.
Imagine an angel suddenly appearing in your room. What would you expect to hear? Certainly not a simple, warm greeting, but for Mary, that's exactly what Gabriel offered. This wasn't just any 'hello'; it was loaded with divine meaning.
The angel Gabriel's first words to Mary, 'Greetings, O favored one,' and 'the Lord is with you,' are more than just a polite salutation. They are foundational to understanding Mary's unique role and the unfolding of God's plan.
A Divine Seal of Approval
The Greek word used for 'favored one' (kecharitōménē) speaks of a grace that has been given and continues to be active. It signifies that Mary has received God's special favor, not because she earned it, but because God graciously chose her. It's like an official stamp of approval from heaven.
The Assurance of Presence
When Gabriel says, 'the Lord is with you,' it's a profound reassurance. In a moment of overwhelming news and potential fear, this phrase points to God's active presence and support. It’s not just a statement of fact, but an assurance that God will be present with her through the miraculous events to come.
Mary's response to the angel's greeting wasn't immediate understanding or calm acceptance. The text says she was 'agitated' and 'wondering.' What does her reaction tell us about encountering the divine?
Mary's immediate reaction reveals the profound, even startling, nature of encountering God's messengers and His purposes.
Encountering the Holy
Luke notes that Mary was 'agitated' by his words. This wasn't a casual encounter. The presence of a heavenly being and a message of such magnitude would naturally cause awe and fear. It speaks to the overwhelming holiness of God and the way His presence can disrupt our ordinary lives.
Thoughtful Reflection
Beyond the agitation, Mary was 'wondering' or 'reasoning' about the meaning of the salutation. This shows a mind actively processing the event, seeking to understand God's message. It wasn't passive reception but an engaged, thoughtful response, even in the midst of confusion. This humble consideration is key to discerning God's will.
Understand the original words
charitoō · Greek Verb (participle)
An expression of grace or divine kindness; it denotes one who is the recipient of God's unmerited benevolence, choice, or special gracious regard.
ho Kyrios meta sou · Greek Prepositional phrase
A state of divine presence, protection, and partnership; it signifies that God is actively working through or dwelling with an individual to accomplish His sovereign purposes.
c. 20-10 BC
Joseph and Mary Betrothed
Mary, a young woman living in Nazareth, is betrothed to Joseph, a carpenter also from Nazareth. Joseph is a descendant of King David.
c. 20-10 BC— this verse
Angel Gabriel Appears to Mary
The angel Gabriel appears to Mary in Nazareth and announces that she will conceive a son through the Holy Spirit, who will be called Jesus and will reign forever.
c. 20-10 BC
Mary Visits Elizabeth
Mary travels to visit her relative Elizabeth, who is pregnant in her old age. Upon Mary's arrival, Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaims Mary blessed among women.
c. 20-10 BC
Birth of John the Baptist
Elizabeth gives birth to a son, John, who later becomes a prophet preparing the way for Jesus.
c. 20-10 BC
Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
Mary, accompanied by Joseph, travels to Bethlehem for a Roman census and gives birth to Jesus.
Boaz greets his reapers with a similar salutation, 'The Lord be with you!' showing that this was a common greeting that held significant meaning, invoking God's presence and blessing upon the recipient.
Judges 6:12The angel of the Lord appears to Gideon with the very same greeting, 'The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor,' indicating a divine appointment and reassurance of God's presence for a specific task.
Matthew 1:20An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, addressing him similarly by saying, 'Do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit,' directly connecting to the unfolding of God's plan initiated with Mary.
Ephesians 1:6Paul uses a related Greek word when he speaks of God's glory and grace, stating we are 'to the praise of his glorious grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved,' highlighting that Mary's 'highly favored' status stems from God's unmerited favor.
calvinLuke 1:26-33: "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,"
- Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27. To a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28. And the angel, coming in to her, said, Hail, thou who hast found favor, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29. But when she had seen him, she was agit…
jfbLuke 1:26-38: "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,"
Lu 1:26-38. Annunciation of Christ.(See on [1535]Mt 1:18-21).26. sixth month—of Elisabeth's time.Joseph, of the house of David—(See on [1536]Mt 1:16).
The angel's greeting, "Greetings, O favored one," doesn't just mean Mary is lucky; it signifies she has received a unique, undeserved favor from God. This phrase, often translated as "highly favored" or "graced," points to her being chosen and bestowed with divine grace, not necessarily to a unique status beyond that of other believers, but a specific role in God's plan.
The angel Gabriel has just been sent from God to the obscure town of Nazareth, specifically to a young virgin named Mary who is engaged to Joseph. He enters her home, and before revealing the astonishing news he carries, he addresses her with this greeting.
The angel Gabriel has just been sent from God to the obscure town of Nazareth, specifically to a young virgin named Mary who is engaged to Joseph. He enters her home, and before revealing the astonishing news he carries, he addresses her with this greeting.
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"And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”" — The angel's greeting, "Greetings, O favored one," doesn't just mean Mary is lucky; it signifies she has received a unique, undeserved favor from God. This phrase, often translated as "highly favored"…
