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    What Is the Annunciation?

    What Is the Annunciation? The annunciation is the angel Gabriel's announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God.

    Key verse: Luke 1:30-31 (KJV)

    The annunciation is the angel Gabriel's announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God.

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    Quick Answer

    The annunciation is the angel Gabriel's announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God.

    "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." — Luke 1:30-31 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    The annunciation is recorded in Luke 1:26-38. The angel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary, betrothed to Joseph of the house of David. Gabriel greeted her: 'Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.' Mary was troubled, but the angel told her not to fear — she had found favor with God and would conceive and bring forth a son named Jesus. 'He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.' Mary asked how this could be, since she was a virgin. Gabriel answered: 'The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.' Mary responded with the submission that characterizes all true faith: 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.'

    Topic Overview

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    What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.

    Key Scripture References

    "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."
    "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
    "And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her."

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

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    Deep Dive Commentary

    For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:

    Related Reading

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    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside Luke. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read Luke on day 294 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “What Is the Annunciation?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The annunciation is recorded in Luke 1:26-38. The angel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary, betrothed to Joseph of the house of David. Gabriel greeted her: 'Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.' Mary was troubled, but the angel told her not to fear — she had found favor with God and would conceive and bring forth a son named Jesus. 'He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.' Mary asked how this could be, since she was a virgin. Gabriel answered: 'The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.' Mary responded with the submission that characterizes all true faith: 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.'

    The nativity is the account of Jesus' birth — the virgin conception, the journey to Bethlehem, and the worship of shepherds and wise men.

    Joseph was the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus — a righteous man of David's line who protected and raised the Son of God.