Luke 1:30
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελος
the angel
G32
ἄγγελος
the angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
4 of 14
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
αὐτῇ
unto her
G846
αὐτῇ
unto her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 14
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
Μὴ
not
G3361
Μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 14
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
φοβοῦ
Fear
G5399
φοβοῦ
Fear
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
7 of 14
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
Μαριάμ
Mary
G3137
Μαριάμ
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
8 of 14
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
χάριν
favour
G5485
χάριν
favour
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
11 of 14
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
παρὰ
with
G3844
παρὰ
with
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
Cross References
Luke 1:13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.Romans 8:31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?Matthew 14:27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Luke 12:32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.Isaiah 41:14Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.Isaiah 44:2Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.Matthew 28:5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.Hebrews 13:6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.Acts 27:24Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
Historical Context
Mary was likely 12-14 years old, the typical age for betrothal in first-century Palestine. As a young virgin from obscure Nazareth, she represented the 'low estate' God habitually chooses to demonstrate His power through weakness (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). The phrase 'found favor' deliberately echoes Hannah's story (1 Samuel 1:18), another barren woman chosen for miraculous conception to birth a prophet (Samuel). Luke emphasizes parallels between the two accounts, showing continuity in God's methods.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Mary's 'finding favor' illustrate the doctrine of sovereign grace and divine election?
- What does God's choice of an unknown virgin from Nazareth teach about how He accomplishes His greatest purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The angel's words 'Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God' address Mary's troubled response to the greeting. The phrase 'found favor' (Greek 'heurēs charin,' εὗρες χάριν) echoes Old Testament language (Noah, Moses, David) of God's electing grace. Mary did not earn this favor through merit—she found it by God's sovereign choice. The Greek 'charis' (χάρις, grace/favor) emphasizes unmerited divine kindness. This greeting establishes that the incarnation proceeds from grace, not human worthiness, making Mary's selection a pure act of divine election.