Luke 1:28 - Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!”

Generated Verse: Luke 1:28

What does "Luke 1:28" mean?


This verse from Luke 1:28 is a crucial part of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel appears to Mary and tells her that she will conceive and give birth to Jesus. Let's break down the meaning:

"Having come in, the angel said to her...": This simply sets the scene. The angel Gabriel has entered Mary's presence, likely in Nazareth where she lived.

“Rejoice, you highly favored one!": This is a greeting, but much more than a simple "hello."
"Rejoice" (Greek: chaire): This is more than just "be happy." It's an exhortation to celebrate and be filled with joy. It suggests a profound and overwhelming reason to rejoice.
"Highly favored one" (Greek: kecharitomene): This is a key element. The Greek word is a perfect passive participle, indicating that Mary has been filled with grace, and that this grace continues to be present in her. It implies that God has already acted powerfully in Mary's life, preparing her for this unique role. It is not just about future favor, but present and complete grace. Some translations use "full of grace" to convey this more accurately.

"The Lord is with you.": This is a declaration of divine presence and support. It echoes phrases used throughout the Old Testament to signify God's special protection and favor upon individuals He calls to a particular task. It assures Mary that she is not alone in what she is about to undertake.

"Blessed are you among women!”: This emphasizes Mary's unique position. She is being set apart from all other women in history. It’s a declaration that she will be recognized and revered for her role in God's plan. The "blessed" implies that she is a recipient of God's special favor and will experience profound happiness and fulfillment.

In summary, the verse signifies:

Divine Initiative: God is taking action in Mary's life. This is not something she sought out, but something initiated by God.
Extraordinary Grace: Mary is uniquely blessed and filled with God's grace, preparing her for a special role.
Divine Presence: God is with Mary, offering her support and protection.
Unique Honor: Mary is being elevated above all other women due to her role in the coming of the Messiah.
Call to Joy: Mary is being invited to rejoice in the amazing plan God has for her, even though it will undoubtedly come with challenges.

The verse is important theologically because it establishes Mary's privileged position in salvation history. It's also a testament to the power of God to work through humble individuals.

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