1:30a

So the angel told her: This clause introduces what the angel said to Mary. The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as So is most often translated as “and” in English. Some other ways to translate it are:

Then the angel said to her (Revised English Bible)
-or-
But the angel said to her (New International Version)

In some languages a conjunction may not be needed. For example:

The angel said to her (Good News Translation)

Connect this verse to 1:29 in a way that is natural in your language.

angel: See the note at 1:11a for suggestions about how to translate the word angel. See also angel, Meaning 1, in the Glossary.

Do not be afraid, Mary: The angel used the phrase Do not be afraid to comfort and reassure Mary because she was troubled (1:29). The angel said the same words to Zechariah in 1:13a.

Some other ways to translate this reassurance are:

You do not need to be afraid, Mary.
-or-
Mary, do not be troubled/fearful.

1:30b

for: This conjunction introduces the reason why the angel told Mary not to be afraid. Some English versions, such as the New International Version, do not translate this conjunction. Connect 1:30b to 1:30a in a way that is natural in your language.

you have found favor with God: The Greek expression that the Berean Standard Bible translates as you have found favor with God means “God has shown you favor/kindness.” It indicates here that God had blessed Mary and given her grace. In this context it specifically refers to the grace and blessing of being the mother of the Christ. Some other ways to translate this are:

You have received favor/grace from God
-or-
You are favored/blessed by God
-or-
God has been gracious to you

Notice that the verb found in the expression found favor means “obtained/received.” It does not mean to discover something or to find something after searching for it.

See grace, Meaning 1, in the Glossary.

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