The Virgin Birth

Illustration of The Virgin Birth

The Virgin Birth refers to the miraculous conception of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit within the virgin Mary, as described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. This event fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, which foretold that a virgin would conceive and bear a son called Immanuel. Theologically, it underscores Jesus' divine nature while affirming his full humanity, ensuring he was born without original sin to serve as the perfect savior. This miracle highlights God's sovereign intervention in human history to bring about redemption through the incarnation.

0:00

Details

Category
Birth
Testament
New Testament
Performed by
Holy Spirit

Key Passages

Announcement to Mary

Luke 1:30-35

A30nd the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 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: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 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.

Matthew's Account

Matthew 1:18-23

N18ow the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Related

Characters

Places

Did You Know?

1

Both Matthew and Luke independently record the virgin birth. From Joseph's and Mary's perspectives.

2

Isaiah prophesied this 700 years earlier using the Hebrew word 'almah' (young maiden/virgin).

3

Mary was likely 13-16 years old. The typical betrothal age in first-century Judaism.