What was the angel's first word
to Mary?
χαιρε (chaire), the original Greek word
translated “Greetings,” literally means “have
joy” or “be glad,” and was an ordinary way to greet someone, much like
“Good morning” in English today isn't an observation but a greeting that
wishes the hearer to have a good morning. This word does not confer
adoration or reverence.
What was the angel's second word
to Mary?
κεχαριτωμενη (kecharitomene), the original
Greek word translated “favored one,” means
having received favor, mercy or grace. It does not mean “full of grace.”
Why was Mary “troubled” (Luke 1:29)?
She suddenly “saw” (Luke 1:29) an unfamiliar male figure,
who also may not have looked entirely human, “come in” (Luke 1:28) to her
room/house uninvited and immediately begin talking to her as if he knew
her.
Did the angel's message to Mary get more
'normal'
after the troubling initial greeting?
She was going to give birth to the “Son of ... God”
(Luke 1:32).
Why is “David” also being called the “father” (Luke
1:32) of Jesus?
See
Genealogy of Jesus.
What is the “house of Jacob” (Luke 1:33)?
The descendants of Jacob who became the nation of Israel:
“Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but
Israel” (Genesis 32:28).
In saying that Jesus will reign over Israel
“forever, and of His kingdom there
will be no end” (Luke 1:33), is the angel talking about Jesus succeeding
Herod as the next king of Israel?
The angel is talking about Jesus' spiritual reign and kingdom
prophesied in the Old Testament:
“Your kingdom is an
everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all
generations” (Psalm 145:13).
Is Mary saying that she hasn't yet met the man who
will father her son?
She was already
“betrothed to ... Joseph” (Luke
1:27). The “know” in Luke
1:34 refers to having sexual intercourse (see
Firstborn Son); she is asking how she could possibly
“conceive” (Luke 1:31) a baby when she is a
“virgin” (Luke
1:27).