King James Version

What Does Luke 1:29 Mean?

Luke 1:29 in the King James Version says “And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. — study this verse from Luke chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

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.

31

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mary's being 'troubled at his saying' and casting about 'what manner of salutation this should be' shows thoughtful consideration rather than immediate panic. Unlike Zacharias's fear at the angel's appearance, Mary's concern focuses on the meaning of Gabriel's greeting 'highly favoured.' Her questioning demonstrates humility and theological reflection—she pondered why God would especially bless her. This contemplative response reveals Mary's character: thoughtful, humble, teachable. Her troubled mind engaged intellectually and spiritually with God's word before responding, modeling how believers should carefully consider divine revelation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gabriel's salutation 'Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee' was unprecedented for a young Jewish woman. Mary's reaction shows both surprise at the honor and theological consideration of what God's favor might mean and require.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does thoughtful consideration of God's word differ from fearful resistance?
  2. What does Mary's humility in questioning her 'favoured' status teach about proper self-estimation?
  3. Why is it important to ponder the meaning of God's promises before responding?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
1 of 15
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 15

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἰδοῦσα3 of 15

when she saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

διεταράχθη4 of 15

him she was troubled

G1298

to disturb wholly, i.e., agitate (with alarm)

ἐπὶ5 of 15

at

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῷ6 of 15
G3588

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

λόγῳ7 of 15

saying

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

αὐτοῦ,8 of 15

his

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

καὶ9 of 15

and

G2532

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

διελογίζετο10 of 15

cast in her mind

G1260

to reckon thoroughly, i.e., (genitive case) to deliberate (by reflection or discussion)

ποταπὸς11 of 15

what manner

G4217

interrogatively, whatever, i.e., of what possible sort

εἴη12 of 15

should be

G1498

might (could, would, or should) be

13 of 15
G3588

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

ἀσπασμὸς14 of 15

of salutation

G783

a greeting (in person or by letter)

οὗτος15 of 15

this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)


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 1:29 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 1:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study