Bible Strands
Luke 1:30
So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The angel addresses Mary immediately after she is troubled by his initial greeting. This occurs during the announcement of her impending pregnancy.
The words — The Greek phrase μὴ φοβοῦ (mē phobou) literally commands "do not fear." It follows the angel's declaration that she has found favor with God.
The thread — The same command appears when an angel reassures Zechariah (Luke 1:13) and when Jesus addresses his followers as a "little flock" (Luke 12:32).
Why it lands — It requires the reader to accept divine reassurance as grounded in God's unmerited favor rather than personal merit.
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 the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
Cross-references
- Luke 1:13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.
- Luke 12:32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
- Romans 8:31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
- Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
- Matthew 14:27 But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”
- Matthew 28:5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
- Acts 18:9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent.
- Isaiah 44:2 This is the word of the LORD, your Maker, who formed you from the womb and who will help you: “Do not be afraid, O Jacob My servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
- Isaiah 41:14 Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
- Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine!