Devine Scripture

Luke 1:30

What does Luke 1:30 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 1:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 1:30 means

The angel reassures Mary: “Fear not; thou hast found favor with God.” The statement both comforts and affirms that God’s choice is gracious, not punitive. Finding favor with God indicates divine election and grace bestowed upon Mary to fulfill God’s redemptive plan. Gabriel’s words alleviate her fear and prepare her to receive the astonishing announcement about to be made. The reassurance echoes other angelic messages and frames Mary’s acceptance as a response to divine mercy.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the angel said to her, Have no fear, Mary, for you have God's approval.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the messenger said to her, `Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found favour with God;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the angel said to her, Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found favour withGod;

Context

Following Mary’s troubled reflection, this reassurance calms her and clarifies that the encounter is good news. It sets the stage for the substantive announcement about to be made—that she will conceive the Messiah—by confirming divine intent and grace rather than arbitrary disturbance.

v.29But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this might be.

v.30This passage

v.31And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 18:9

    And the Lord said unto Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak and hold not thy peace:

  • Matthew 28:5

    And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, who hath been crucified.

  • Isaiah 43:1

    But now thus saith Jehovah that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine.

  • Hebrews 13:6

    So that with good courage we say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do unto me?

  • Isaiah 41:10

    fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • Romans 8:31

    What then shall we say to these things? If Godisfor us, whoisagainst us?

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