King James Bible
"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God."
Gabriel addresses Mary directly, commanding her not to fear—a typical angelic greeting when divine messengers appear to humans, as their presence often caused terror. The personal address by name shows God's intimate knowledge of Mary and the importance of this encounter. The angel explains why Mary should not fear: she has received divine grace or favor (Greek: charis). This phrase echoes Old Testament language used of Noah and Moses, marking Mary as chosen for a special divine purpose, though not due to her merit but God's sovereign selection.