What does Luke 1:28 mean?

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. Luke 1:28

Explanation

The verse Luke 1:28 depicts a moment of divine encounter between the Virgin Mary and the angel Gabriel. As the angel enters, he greets Mary with a salutation that is both a blessing and a recognition of her favored status with God. The phrase “highly favoured” indicates that Mary has received an extraordinary grace from God. When Gabriel says, “the Lord is with thee,” it underscores the divine presence and support that Mary has. The concluding part of the greeting, “blessed art thou among women,” sets Mary apart as uniquely honored among all women, highlighting the significant role she is about to play in the unfolding of God’s plan for salvation.

Historical Context

This verse is set in the early first-century Jewish context, during a time when Israel was under Roman occupation. The announcement of Jesus’ birth to Mary by the angel Gabriel is known as the Annunciation. It is an event celebrated in Christianity for its significance in the Nativity narrative. Mary, a young Jewish girl from Nazareth betrothed to Joseph, is chosen for the unique role of being the mother of Jesus, who Christians believe is the Messiah.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints arise from this verse:

• Catholic Theology: Catholics reverently approach this verse as the foundation of the doctrines of the Immaculate Conception and the Divine Maternity of Mary. They see Mary’s fullness of grace as preparation for her to be the Mother of God.

• Protestant Theology: Many Protestant denominations respect Mary as blessed among women but emphasize that she is a model disciple rather than the source of grace. They also stress ‘sola gratia’ or grace alone, which God bestows without merit.

• Orthodox Theology: Similar to Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox Christians see the Theotokos (God-bearer) as having a unique grace and honor due to her acceptance of God’s will and her role in the Incarnation.

Practical Applications

The teachings from Luke 1:28 can be applied in daily life through:

• Recognizing the value of humility and openness to God’s will, as exemplified by Mary.
• Understanding the importance of grace in the life of believers and that this grace is a gift from God.
• Emulating Mary’s faith and willingness to participate in God’s plan, inspiring believers to trust and obey God.

Cross-References

• Luke 1:30 – “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.”
• Luke 1:42 – “And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.”
• Isaiah 7:14 – “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek language include:

• χαίρω (chaírō): Often translated as “Hail,” this word also conveys joy and favor.
• κεχαριτωμένη (kecharitomene): This term for “highly favoured” is a perfect passive participle indicating Mary has already been graced fully; it’s a unique term in the New Testament.
• κύριος (kyrios): Translated as “Lord,” signifies authority and divine lordship.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This Annunciation scene has parallels in various cultural and religious traditions where deities interact with humans:

• In ancient Greek mythology, gods often visited humans, sometimes predicting or influencing significant events.
• In other religious traditions, such as Islam, Mary (or Maryam) also holds a highly revered status, and the Qur’an recounts the Annunciation story in Surah Al Imran (3:42-45).

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives primarily address the concept of the virgin birth. While virgin births, or parthenogenesis, occur in some animal species, it is not naturally possible in humans. The virgin birth is thus regarded by the scientific community as a matter of faith rather than empirical evidence.

Commentaries

Commentators offer varied insights into this verse:

• Matthew Henry Commentary: Notes the grace of God towards Mary and her election to a high and noble service, as well as the peace that accompanies God’s favor.
• John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible: Emphasizes Mary’s grace as not intrinsic but given by God, and her blessedness among women, while also discussing the Jewish expectations of the Messiah’s coming through a virgin.
• Benson Commentary: Discusses the emphasis on Mary’s uniquely privileged state, while also considering the angel’s role in God’s communication of his salvific plans.