Luke 1:29
And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδοῦσα
when she saw
G1492
ἰδοῦσα
when she saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
3 of 15
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
διεταράχθη
him she was troubled
G1298
διεταράχθη
him she was troubled
Strong's:
G1298
Word #:
4 of 15
to disturb wholly, i.e., agitate (with alarm)
ἐπὶ
at
G1909
ἐπὶ
at
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγῳ
saying
G3056
λόγῳ
saying
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
7 of 15
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
αὐτοῦ,
his
G846
αὐτοῦ,
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διελογίζετο
cast in her mind
G1260
διελογίζετο
cast in her mind
Strong's:
G1260
Word #:
10 of 15
to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)
ποταπὸς
what manner
G4217
ποταπὸς
what manner
Strong's:
G4217
Word #:
11 of 15
interrogatively, whatever, i.e., of what possible sort
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 10:17Now 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,Acts 10:4And 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.Luke 1:12And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
Historical Context
Gabriel's salutation 'Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee' was unprecedented for a young Jewish woman. Mary's reaction shows both surprise at the honor and theological consideration of what God's favor might mean and require.
Questions for Reflection
- How does thoughtful consideration of God's word differ from fearful resistance?
- What does Mary's humility in questioning her 'favoured' status teach about proper self-estimation?
- Why is it important to ponder the meaning of God's promises before responding?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Mary's being 'troubled at his saying' and casting about 'what manner of salutation this should be' shows thoughtful consideration rather than immediate panic. Unlike Zacharias's fear at the angel's appearance, Mary's concern focuses on the meaning of Gabriel's greeting 'highly favoured.' Her questioning demonstrates humility and theological reflection—she pondered why God would especially bless her. This contemplative response reveals Mary's character: thoughtful, humble, teachable. Her troubled mind engaged intellectually and spiritually with God's word before responding, modeling how believers should carefully consider divine revelation.