Luke 1:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 1:28
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
Chapter Context
Luke 1 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of discipleship, righteousness, love. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-80: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 1:28
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
Analysis
Gabriel's greeting 'Hail, thou that art highly favoured' (χαῖρε, κεχαριτωμένη) uses the perfect passive participle of 'charitoō' (χαριτόω), meaning 'to grace' or 'to endue with grace.' The perfect tense indicates Mary had been graced by God in the past with continuing effects—she existed in a state of having received divine favor. The phrase 'the Lord is with thee' (ὁ κύριος μετὰ σοῦ) echoes Old Testament formulas for those chosen for special service (Judges 6:12, Jeremiah 1:8). Mary's favor was not earned merit but God's sovereign choice. Catholic theology's 'full of grace' translation from the Vulgate (gratia plena) goes beyond the Greek text, which emphasizes God's action toward Mary, not Mary's inherent state.
Historical Context
Young Jewish women in first-century Palestine were typically betrothed between ages 12-14. Mary's betrothal to Joseph was legally binding, requiring divorce to dissolve, though consummation occurred only after the wedding ceremony. The angel's appearance in her home was highly unusual—angelic announcements typically came to men in public or temple settings (Zacharias, shepherds, Joseph in dreams).
Reflection
- What does God's choice of a young, unmarried woman from Nazareth reveal about how He selects His servants?
- How should we understand Mary's 'favored' status without attributing to her the co-redemptive role some traditions claim?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: Judges 6:12, Daniel 10:19, Hosea 14:2
- Blessing: Luke 1:42, Judges 5:24
- Parallel theme: Luke 1:30, Isaiah 43:5, Matthew 12:48, Acts 18:10, Ephesians 1:6