A Study of Luke 1:26-38

Luke 1:{26} (NRSV) In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth.

{27} to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.

The word "virgin" (parthena) is cited twice. These are meant to be two witnesses. Before the consummation of a marriage, the Jewish girl spent a year or so in the father's house. Mary is in this period of betrothal. Therefore, she is about 12 or 13 years old.

{28} And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you."

Nobody is sure what chaire kecharitomene means. The best for readability is "Greetings, Full of Grace!" ("Full of grace" is a name.) The best grammatically is "Greetings, Are-graced." Maybe "Greetings, Gracy!" or "Greetings, Graceful!" or "Greetings, Darling!" It is a name of endearment. Catholics say the "Hail Mary": "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you."

{29} But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Why would she be "perplexed," or startled? (Would her age have something to do with it? The apparition? The message?) Why would she wonder about the meaning of the greeting, chaire kecharitomene?

{30} The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

"Do not be afraid" is the regular angelic formula, found elsewhere when someone descends from heaven. Why might Mary had found favor? (see verse 38) Mary was seeking favor. Perhaps she had envisioned becoming the mother of the Yahweh’s son. What 12-year-old girl doesn't play out motherhood scenarios in her mind?

{31} And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.

She no longer envisions, but the angel declares that she will conceive now and will bear a son. The name Jesus or Yahshua means "Yahweh saves."

{32} He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. {33} He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

The angel quotes the scripture of 2 Sam 7:9ff, which is Nathan the prophet's promise to King David. This passage in 2 Sam was interpreted by the Qumran Community as a king in "the last days" (4QFlorilegium). This king was also prophesied to be both Son of Yahweh and Son of the Most High (El) (4Q243).

{34} Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?"

{35} The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.

The mechanism of Jesus' conception is a mystery. But we know that, unlike emperors, Jesus did not "spring from the head of Zeus." He was born of a child and his birth was an unusual birth.

{36} And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. {37} For nothing will be impossible with God."

Literally, "because will not be impossible with the God every word." Considering Genesis chapter one, what does this tell us about God at this time in history? Considering Genesis chapter 2, where God take a woman out of man, what is happening here?

{38} Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

This passage sheds light on how the author understands the conception of Jesus. She is made pregnant by God's creative word. (John 1:1, Gen 1:3) Mary proclaims herself a slave or handmaiden (doule). "Let it happen" is her consent to bear the fruit of her envisioning. What does Mary's acclamation say for the sensitivity and trust of youth?