New Testament
Luke 1:28
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The angel came to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!"
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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.
What Luke 1:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the angel Gabriel visits Mary to announce that she has been chosen by God for a special purpose. The greeting "highly favored" indicates that Mary has received God's grace and blessing. The phrase "The Lord is with you" reassures her of God's presence and support during this significant moment in her life. The angel's declaration that she is "blessed among women" highlights her unique role in salvation history as the mother of Jesus. This encounter emphasizes the importance of divine favor and the calling that comes with it, showing that God often chooses ordinary people for extraordinary tasks. Mary's response to this message will set the stage for the events that follow, illustrating her faith and obedience to God's will.
How to apply Luke 1:28 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize that God can choose anyone for His purposes, regardless of their background. It reminds us to be open to God's calling in our lives and to trust in His presence and support as we navigate our own journeys of faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 1:28
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 1:28 mean?
Luke 1:28 describes the angel Gabriel visiting Mary to announce that she is chosen by God for a special purpose. The greeting 'highly favored' signifies God's grace upon her, and the phrase 'The Lord is with you' reassures her of His support.
What is the significance of 'highly favored' in Luke 1:28?
The term 'highly favored' in Luke 1:28 indicates that Mary has received God's special grace and blessing. It highlights her unique role in God's plan as the mother of Jesus, setting her apart among women.
What does the phrase 'blessed are you among women' mean in Luke 1:28?
The phrase 'blessed are you among women' in Luke 1:28 emphasizes Mary's exceptional position in salvation history. It acknowledges her unique honor as the mother of Jesus, making her a significant figure in the Christian faith.
How does Luke 1:28 relate to faith and obedience?
Luke 1:28 sets the stage for Mary's response to God's calling, illustrating her faith and obedience. Her acceptance of the angel's message demonstrates how God often chooses ordinary people for extraordinary tasks.
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