Luke 1:28 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:28 mean?

Luke 1:28 describes the angel Gabriel greeting Mary with words of honor, telling her she is highly favored, that the Lord is with her, and that she is blessed among women. This greeting sets Mary apart as someone who has received special favor from God.

In this verse, the angel Gabriel enters and speaks directly to Mary, a young woman in Nazareth. The angel’s greeting emphasizes that Mary has received unique grace and blessing from God, preparing her for the important message and role she is about to receive in the story of Jesus’ birth.

The Greek behind Luke 1:28

• "highly favoured" (κεχαριτωμένη, kecharitōmenē): This word means "one who has been shown much grace" or "greatly favored." It highlights that Mary is the recipient of God’s special kindness, not because of her own merit but as a gift.
• "Hail" (χαῖρε, chaire): This is a common Greek greeting meaning "rejoice" or "greetings," but here it also carries a sense of joy and honor in the way Gabriel addresses Mary.
• "blessed" (εὐλογημένη, eulogēmenē): This word means "spoken well of" or "favored," underlining that Mary is recognized as having a special status among women.

Why Luke 1:28 matters

• Luke 1:28 clarifies that Mary’s role in the story is based on God’s initiative and grace, not on her own achievements or status.
• The verse shows that Mary is singled out for a unique purpose in God’s plan, setting the stage for the announcement of Jesus’ birth.
• Understanding the specific words used by Gabriel helps avoid misunderstandings about Mary’s role, emphasizing that her favor comes from God’s gracious action.