What does Luke 1:29 mean?

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. Luke 1:29

Explanation

Luke 1:29 describes Mary’s initial reaction upon being greeted by the angel Gabriel. The verse tells us that Mary was troubled by Gabriel’s greeting and pondered what the salutation could mean. The word “troubled” here signifies that Mary was deeply disturbed or perplexed. This reaction is natural, given the sudden and unexpected appearance of an angel. Moreover, Gabriel’s greeting had been uncharacteristically honorific for a young woman in Mary’s position, referring to her as “highly favored” (Luke 1:28). Mary’s contemplation of Gabriel’s words suggests she was reflective and discerning, seeking to understand the strange and potentially frightening situation.

Historical Context

This verse is a part of the Annunciation, which is a significant event in Christian tradition found in the Gospel of Luke. During the period when this narrative was written, angelic visitations were understood as being both awe-inspiring and fear-inducing. Angels were seen as messengers from God, delivering divine revelations to humans. Mary was a young Jewish girl living in Nazareth, a town in ancient Galilee, and it was remarkable for an angel to appear to someone of her social standing. Historically, the angel’s announcement would upend her ordinary life, placing her at the center of God’s plan for salvation.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse illustrates God’s choice of the humble and unexpected to serve His purposes. It also alludes to the concept of divine favor, which Mary receives without any recorded merit on her part, underscoring the theme of grace in Christian theology. Mary’s response of troubled reflection can be seen as modeling an appropriate response to divine mystery and revelation. Furthermore, the verse lays a foundation for the Incarnation doctrine, highlighting Mary’s crucial role in the birth of Jesus as the Messiah.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can inspire individuals to accept and reflect upon unexpected events or messages that may initially seem perplexing or troubling. It serves as a reminder to approach life’s challenges and disruptions with contemplation and faith, seeking to discern their meaning or purpose rather than reacting in fear. Additionally, it encourages believers to be open to the ways in which they might be called to serve or participate in a greater plan, beyond their understanding or comfort zone.

Cross-References

• Luke 1:28: “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.”
• Matthew 1:20: “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”
• Genesis 18:10-15: The story of Sarah’s reaction to the announcement of her future childbirth, which she also did not initially understand.

Language Study

The key phrase, “cast in her mind,” comes from the Greek “διαλογιζομένη” (dialogizomene), which means to reason, consider, or ponder. “What manner of salutation this should be” uses the word “ἀσπασμός” (aspasmos), meaning greeting or salute. These terms emphasize the internal processing and reflective nature of Mary’s response to Gabriel’s message.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient world, stories of divine beings appearing to mortals are found in various myths and religions. For instance, in Greek mythology, gods often interact with humans. In the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, there are numerous examples of angels appearing to individuals, including Abraham and Jacob. Mary’s experience fits within this broader cultural context of divine-human encounters and the idea that such encounters could have significant consequences for both the individual and their community.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, angelic visitations and divine announcements fall outside the scope of empirical analysis and are thus considered matters of faith. Modern psychology, however, might provide insight into the human experience of receiving unexpected news and coping with significantly life-changing events, which can provoke reactions similar to Mary’s reflected in contemplation and anxiety.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have various interpretations of this verse. According to Matthew Henry’s Commentary, Mary’s trouble reflects the humility and modesty of her soul. Adam Clarke’s Commentary notes that the term “troubled” indicates that her heart was agitated by a variety of passions, likely fear and reverence. Scott Hahn, in the ‘Ignatius Catholic Study Bible,’ explores the idea that Mary’s contemplation shows her wise and prudent nature in face of mysterious happenings. Each commentary deepens the understanding of Mary’s internal state and her thoughtful disposition towards the message from the angel.