What Is the Annunciation — In Biblical Context
The annunciation is the angel Gabriel's announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God.
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 Context
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.'
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Luke 1:30-31, sits inside Luke 1. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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