According To Luke: An Analytical Commentary

Luke 1:28-33

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail (a greeting; “rejoice” or “greetings”), thou that art highly favoured (perfect passive participle — “graciously accepted” or “made the object of grace”— Grace = unmerited/unearned favor); the Lord is with thee (divine presence and blessing): blessed art thou among women (she is honored uniquely — cf. Judges 5:24; Luke 1:42).

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled (disturbed; perplexed — not at the appearance, but the greeting) at his saying, and cast in her mind (Mary possibly directly gave this account to Luke verbally, which is why the narrative, on multiple occasions, expounds her thoughts) what manner of salutation this should be (she’s thoughtful, not impulsive — shows discernment).

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not (common phrase when angels appear), Mary: for thou hast found favour with God (unearned grace; not merit — God’s choosing, not Mary’s achievement).

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb (parallels Isa. 7:14), and bring forth a son (foretells a male child), and shalt call his name JESUS (Greek form of Joshua — means “Jehovah saves”; cf. Matthew 1:21).

32 He shall be great (absolute greatness — no qualifiers), and shall be called the Son of the Highest (title of deity — “Highest” = God; this is divine Sonship, eternal generation): and the Lord God shall give unto him (the God-Man) the throne of his father David (fulfillment of Messianic covenant — cf. 2 Sam. 7:12–13; Isa. 9:7):

33 And he shall reign (as King) over the house of Jacob (spiritual Israel) for ever: and of his kingdom there shall be no end (everlasting dominion — cf. Daniel 2:44; 7:14).