Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:26
In the sixth month - The sixth month after Elizabeth’s conception.A city of Galilee named Nazareth - See the notes at Matthew 2:22-23. read more
In the sixth month - The sixth month after Elizabeth’s conception.A city of Galilee named Nazareth - See the notes at Matthew 2:22-23. read more
To a virgin espoused ... - See the notes at Matthew 1:18-19. Compare the notes at Isaiah 7:14.House of David - Family of David, or descendants of David. read more
Hail - This word of salutation is equivalent to “Peace be with thee,” or “Joy be with thee;” a form of speech implying that she was signally favored, and expressing joy at meeting her.Highly favoured - By being the mother of the long-expected Messiah - the mother of the Redeemer of mankind. Long had he been predicted; long had the eyes of the nation been turned to him, and long had his coming been an object of intense desire. To be reckoned among his “ancestors” was accounted sufficient honor... read more
Troubled at his saying - Disturbed or perplexed at what he said. It was so unexpected, so sudden, so extraordinary, and was so high an honor, that she was filled with anxious thoughts, and did not know what to make of it.Cast in her mind - Thought, or revolved in her mind.What manner of salutation - What this salutation could mean. read more
Fear not, Mary - Do not be alarmed at this appearance of an angel. He only comes to announce to you good tidings. Similar language was addressed by an angel to Joseph. See the notes at Matthew 1:20.Thou hast found favour with God - Eminent favor or mercy in being selected to be the mother of the Messiah. read more
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb - See the notes at Isaiah 7:14.And shalt call his name Jesus - A Saviour. See the notes at Matthew 1:21. All this was announced. also, by an angel to Joseph, after this visitation to Mary. See the notes at Matthew 1:20-21. read more
He shall be great - There is undoubted reference in this passage to Isaiah 9:6-7. By his being “great” is meant he shall be distinguished or illustrious; great in power, in wisdom, in dominion on earth and in heaven.Shall be called - This is the same as to say he “shall be” the Son, etc. The Hebrews often used this form of speech. See Matthew 21:13.The Highest - God, who is infinitely exalted; called the Highest, because He is exalted over all his creatures on earth and in heaven. See Mark... read more
Over the house of Jacob - The house of Jacob means the same thing as the “family” of Jacob, or the descendants of Jacob - that is, the children of Israel. This was the name by which the ancient people of God were known, and it is the same as saying that he would reign over his own church and people forever. This he does by giving them laws, by defending them, and by guiding them; and this he will do forever in the kingdom of his glory.Of his kingdom there shall be no end - He shall reign among... read more
The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee - See Matthew 1:20.The power of the Highest ... - This evidently means that the body of Jesus would be created by the direct power of God. It was not by ordinary generation; but, as the Messiah came to redeem sinners - to make atonement for “others,” and not for himself it was necessary that his human nature should be pure, and free from the corruption of the fall. God therefore prepared him a body by direct creation that should be pure and holy. See Hebrews... read more
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 1:25
Thus - In this merciful manner.To take away my reproach - Among the Jews, a family of children was counted a signal blessing, an evidence of the favor of God, Psalms 113:9; Psalms 128:3; Isaiah 4:1; Isaiah 44:3-4; Leviticus 26:9. To be “barren,” therefore, or to be destitute of children, was considered a “reproach” or a “disgrace,” 1 Samuel 1:6. read more