What does Luke 1:34 mean?

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? Luke 1:34

Explanation

Luke 1:34 captures the moment when the Virgin Mary, upon being greeted and told by the angel Gabriel that she will bear a son named Jesus, expresses her perplexity as to how she can become pregnant when she has not had sexual relations with a man. This declaration signifies Mary’s virginity and highlights the miraculous nature of the Incarnation. The verse reflects the theme of divine intervention and the fulfillment of God’s plan through means that transcend natural law.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke is believed to have been written around 70 to 90 AD. This verse is part of the Annunciation story where the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive and give birth to Jesus. In first-century Jewish culture, betrothal was binding and sexual relations before marriage were strictly forbidden. Thus, Mary’s question reflects her faithfulness to cultural norms and her confusion about the prophecy given her virgin status.

Theological Insights

Christian Perspective: From a Christian theological standpoint, this verse underlines the doctrine of the Virgin Birth, which is central to the Christian belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ. It serves to assert that Jesus’s conception was miraculous and led by the Holy Spirit. Catholic Perspective: The Catholic Church holds this verse in high regard as it affirms the perpetual virginity of Mary, a doctrine that maintains Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. Protestant Perspective: Although Protestant beliefs may vary, many affirm the Virgin Birth as a sign of Jesus’ divine nature and a fulfillment of prophecy, but do not emphasize the perpetual virginity of Mary to the same extent as the Catholic Church.

Practical Applications

Luke 1:34 can speak to the virtue of faith and the importance of trust in divine providence. People may often face situations that seem impossible or difficult to comprehend. This verse encourages individuals to maintain faith even when circumstances defy ordinary understanding, trusting that there may be a higher purpose or plan at play.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
• Matthew 1:18: “Now 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.”
• Luke 1:35: “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.”

Language Study

“Know” (Greek: γινώσκω – ginósko): Often used in the Bible to denote sexual relations or intimacy. Mary’s use of the term indicates her awareness of the biological process of conception while also affirming her virginity. “Man” (Greek: ἀνήρ – anér): Refers to a male or husband in the context of marriage. This term affirms that Mary has not been involved with any man in a way that could lead to pregnancy.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient world, virgin birth stories were not uncommon and can be found in different cultures and religions. For instance, in some Greco-Roman myths, gods are said to impregnate mortals. Moreover, in Egyptian mythology, the god Horus is born to Isis without a consort. The concept of a god being born into the world is a recurring theme, though the Christian narrative is unique in the details and implications of the conception and birth of Jesus.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, parthenogenesis, or virgin birth, is a phenomenon observed in certain animal species, where reproduction occurs without fertilization by a male. However, this does not naturally occur in mammals, and certainly not in humans. Therefore, the virgin birth as described in Luke 1:34 is considered a miracle in Christian theology, as it transcends natural biological processes.

commentaries

Commentators have widely discussed Luke 1:34 in various contexts. For instance, Matthew Henry comments on Mary’s innocence and modesty, emphasizing that her question was not one of disbelief but seeking to understand how God’s promise would be fulfilled. Albert Barnes notes that her question was natural and important, indicating genuine puzzlement rather than skepticism. John Calvin highlights that Mary sets an example as someone who pondered divine revelation deeply instead of dismissing it outright or taking it lightly.