According To Luke: An Analytical Commentary

Luke 1:24-27

24 And after those days (some time later; unspecified) his wife Elisabeth conceived (miraculous conception in old age — fulfillment of the angel’s message), and hid herself (withdrew; remained in seclusion — reasons may include reverence, humility, or caution) five months, saying,

25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me (the Lord is the one acting; acknowledges His intervention) in the days wherein he looked on me (God’s gracious attention; cf. Gen. 29:32), to take away my reproach (disgrace; shame — barrenness was socially stigmatized) among men (in the sight of others; public honor restored).

26 And in the sixth month (sixth month into Elisabeth’s pregnancy — see v. 24) the angel Gabriel (same messenger as in v. 19; sent for two divine birth announcements) was sent (commissioned by God) from God (source of the message) unto a city of Galilee (northern region of Israel; often despised — cf. John 1:46), named Nazareth (a small, obscure village — not mentioned in the Old Testament. Note: Absolutely no connection between Nazareth/Nazarene and the vow of a Nazarite).

27 To a virgin (emphatic; parthenos = one who has not known a man intimately) espoused (see lesson #4 at the end of chapter 1) to a man whose name was Joseph (legal father of Jesus; of Davidic lineage), of the house of David (Messianic significance — cf. 2 Sam. 7:12–16); and the virgin’s name was Mary (Hebrew: Miriam; young Jewish woman — chosen by grace).