Devine Scripture

Luke 1:29

What does Luke 1:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 1:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 1:29 means

Mary is greatly troubled by the greeting and ponders what this salutation might mean. Her disturbance is understandable: such an exalted greeting from an angel would be unsettling. Her inward questioning indicates thoughtful consideration, not fear alone. She reflects on the implications, showing a spiritually serious and reflective character. The verse highlights Mary’s humanity and conscientiousness—she does not immediately leap to presumption but considers the meaning of God’s favor.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this might be.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this might be.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But she was greatly troubled at his words, and said to herself, What may be the purpose of these words?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and she, having seen, was troubled at his word, and was reasoning of what kind this salutation may be.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Who having heard, was troubled at his saying and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But she, [seeing] [the angel], was troubled at his word, and reasoned in her mind what this salutation might be.

Context

This verse shows Mary’s emotional and reflective response after the angel’s greeting. Unlike Zacharias, her reaction combines fear and inquiry. The angel’s follow-up will both reassure her and explain the purpose of God’s favor, deepening the scene’s theological significance.

v.28And he came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee.

v.29This passage

v.30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 1:12

    And Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

  • Acts 10:4

    And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God.

  • Judges 6:13

    And Gideon said unto him, Oh, my lord, if Jehovah is with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where are all his wondrous works which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not Jehovah bring us up from Egypt? but now Jehovah hath cast us off, and delivered us into the hand of Midian.

  • Mark 6:49

    but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out;

  • Luke 1:66

    And all that heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, What then shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him.

  • Acts 10:17

    Now while Peter was much perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men that were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood before the gate,

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