Bible Strands
Luke 1:29
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The angel addresses Mary immediately after declaring her highly favored status in Luke 1:28. This moment bridges his initial announcement and his subsequent reassurance in Luke 1:30.
The words — The Greek verb διεταράχθη (dietarachthē) literally means she was troubled or disturbed. It modifies her response to the angel’s statement (λόγῳ/logō).
The thread — Comparable reactions to heavenly appearances occur in Luke 1:12 when Zechariah is startled, and in Acts 10:4 and Acts 10:17 where Cornelius and Peter confront puzzling visions.
Why it lands — The text records Mary’s initial confusion before receiving explanation, establishing that divine communication often begins with disorientation. It asks the reader to tolerate uncertainty without prematurely forcing a conclusion.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
Cross-references
- Acts 10:17 While Peter was puzzling over the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house and approached the gate.
- Luke 1:12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear.
- Acts 10:4 Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?” The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God.
- Mark 6:49 but when they saw Him walking on the sea, they cried out, thinking He was a ghost—
- 1 Samuel 9:20 As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them, for they have been found. And upon whom is all the desire of Israel, if not upon you and all your father’s house?”
- Mark 16:5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
- Luke 1:66 And all who heard this wondered in their hearts and asked, “What then will this child become?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.
- Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
- Luke 2:51 Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
- Judges 6:13 “Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all His wonders of which our fathers told us, saying, ‘Has not the LORD brought us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hand of Midian.”