 | But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. |
 | And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. |
 | The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God." And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. |
| Luke 1:30-31 |
Commentary
Jesus - the name means "Yahweh is salvation." Mary was understandably troubled by this greeting; she wondered what it meant. The angel calmed her fears, then told her that God was choosing her to be the mother of the long-awaited Messiah.
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Lk 1:29). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Mary and Joseph were betrothed but did not live together as husband and wife. According to Jewish custom, betrothal was a time of engagement that was as binding as marriage. The Law of Moses concerning breaking a betrothal by adultery, rape, fornication, or incest called for death by stoning (Deut. 22:23-30). When Mary became pregnant during her betrothal, Joseph decided to divorce her quietly. However, God explained to Josephin a dream that Mary's conception was the miracle of the Holy Spirit (see Mary of Nazareth).
Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Lk 1:27). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.