King James Version

What Does Luke 1:28 Mean?

Luke 1:28 in the King James Version says “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou a... — study this verse from Luke chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. highly: or, graciously accepted, or, of much grace

Luke 1:28 · KJV


Context

26

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27

To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

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. highly: or, graciously accepted, or, of much grace

29

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

30

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. What does God's choice of a young, unmarried woman from Nazareth reveal about how He selects His servants?
  2. How should we understand Mary's 'favored' status without attributing to her the co-redemptive role some traditions claim?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰσελθὼν2 of 17

came in

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

3 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄγγελος4 of 17

the angel

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

πρὸς5 of 17

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

αὐτὴν6 of 17

her

G846

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

εἶπεν7 of 17

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Χαῖρε8 of 17

Hail

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

κεχαριτωμένη9 of 17

thou that art highly favoured

G5487

to grace, i.e., indue with special honor

10 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριος11 of 17

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

μετὰ12 of 17

is with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

σοῦ13 of 17

thee

G4675

of thee, thy

εὐλογημένη14 of 17

blessed

G2127

to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)

σὺ15 of 17

art thou

G4771

thou

ἐν16 of 17

among

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

γυναιξίν17 of 17

women

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 1:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 1:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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