Luke 1:30
And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The angel’s reassurance, "Do not be afraid," is crucial not just because of the startling appearance, but because Mary's nation was under divine judgment. Her finding "favor with God" isn't about personal merit but signifies a unique, undeserved divine kindness directed towards her, a stark contrast to the prevailing atmosphere.
The angel Gabriel has just appeared to Mary in Nazareth, startling her with a greeting that made her anxious. He immediately reassures her, telling her not to be afraid because she has been specially chosen by God for an incredible purpose. This encounter is the prelude to Gabriel revealing that Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph, will miraculously conceive and give birth to the Son of God.
Imagine an angel suddenly appearing in your room! The very first thing Gabriel says to Mary isn't 'Congratulations!' or 'You're chosen!' It's 'Do not be afraid.' What does this tell us about God's communication with us?
The Divine Reassurance
When Gabriel appears to Mary, she's understandably shaken. An angelic visitation isn't everyday life! The angel's immediate words, 'Do not be afraid,' are crucial. This isn't just a friendly greeting; it's a divine reassurance.
The angel explains why Mary shouldn't be afraid: 'for you have found favor with God.' What does it truly mean to 'find favor' in God's eyes, especially when it leads to such an incredible calling?
The Gift of Divine Acceptance
'Found favor with God' is a beautiful way of saying Mary was chosen and highly esteemed by the Almighty. It wasn't something she earned through merit, but a gift bestowed upon her.
Understand the original words
mē phobou · Greek Verb
In a biblical context, this is a divine command given by angels to humans to calm their hearts, indicating that the presence of God or His message is not meant to bring harm, but rather carries a holy, often life-altering purpose.
charis · Greek Noun
A term describing God’s gracious disposition toward an individual, where He bestows blessings and chooses a person for a specific task or relationship based solely on His own character rather than the person's merit.
This event unfolds within the context of ancient Jewish customs and the unfolding divine plan for salvation, connecting Mary's personal experience to a long-awaited messianic promise.
c. 20-15 BC
Mary Betrothed to Joseph
Mary is betrothed to Joseph, a descendant of David. Under Jewish custom, betrothal was a legally binding agreement, similar to marriage, but the couple did not live together until the wedding.
c. 7-5 BC
Birth of John the Baptist
Zechariah and Elizabeth, relatives of Mary, conceive John the Baptist. His birth is announced by the angel Gabriel and causes great excitement in Judea.
c. 6-5 BC— this verse
The Annunciation to Mary
The angel Gabriel appears to Mary in Nazareth, announcing she will conceive the Son of God through the Holy Spirit. He reassures her not to be afraid, telling her she has found favor with God.
c. 5-4 BC
Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem
Mary, having conceived Jesus, travels with Joseph to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born. This event fulfills prophecies about the Messiah's birthplace.
Moses also asks for favor with God, highlighting the theme of divine recognition and personal connection with the Almighty.
Ruth 2:4Boaz, upon hearing about Ruth, blesses the reapers by saying 'The LORD be with you!' and they respond, 'The LORD bless you!' This echoes the angel's assurance that 'the Lord is with you' and the idea of finding favor.
1 Samuel 2:26This verse speaks of young Samuel growing 'in favor with God and man,' directly paralleling Mary's unique status of finding favor with God.
Matthew 1:20In Joseph's dream, an angel tells him not to fear taking Mary as his wife because 'that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit,' providing a similar reassurance and divine explanation.
barnesLuke 1:30: "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God."
Fear not, Mary - Do not be alarmed at this appearance of an angel. He only comes to announce to you good tidings. Similar language was addressed by an angel to Joseph. See the notes at Matthew 1:20 . Thou hast found favour with God - Eminent favor or mercy in being selected to be the mother of the Messiah.
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…
The angel’s reassurance, "Do not be afraid," is crucial not just because of the startling appearance, but because Mary's nation was under divine judgment. Her finding "favor with God" isn't about personal merit but signifies a unique, undeserved divine kindness directed towards her, a stark contrast to the prevailing atmosphere.
The angel Gabriel has just appeared to Mary in Nazareth, startling her with a greeting that made her anxious. He immediately reassures her, telling her not to be afraid because she has been specially chosen by God for an incredible purpose. This encounter is the prelude to Gabriel revealing that Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph, will miraculously conceive and give birth to the Son of God.
The angel Gabriel has just appeared to Mary in Nazareth, startling her with a greeting that made her anxious. He immediately reassures her, telling her not to be afraid because she has been specially chosen by God for an incredible purpose. This encounter is the prelude to Gabriel revealing that Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph, will miraculously conceive and give birth to the Son of God.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Luke 1:30 is available in the Sola app.
c. AD 27-28
Beginning of Jesus' Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry after being baptized by John the Baptist. This marks the start of his teaching, healing, and eventual crucifixion and resurrection.
"And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." — The angel’s reassurance, "Do not be afraid," is crucial not just because of the startling appearance, but because Mary's nation was under divine judgment. Her finding "favor with God" isn't about pe…
