Luke 1:34 Meaning Explained

Luke 1:34

And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

English Standard Version (ESV)

Mary's question, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" isn't a sign of disbelief, but a humble and practical inquiry about the method of a miraculous conception. She isn't questioning God's power, but rather seeking understanding to navigate her unique circumstances, demonstrating a faith that asks questions rather than accepting passively.

What Luke 1:34 means

The angel Gabriel has just announced to Mary that she will conceive and bear a son, Jesus, who will be called the Son of the Most High. Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph, is understandably perplexed by this news and questions the angel about how this can be possible.

A Question of 'How,' Not 'If'

When the angel Gabriel brought the most astounding news imaginable, Mary didn't respond with disbelief. What was the true nature of her question?

Mary's question, 'How will this be, since I am a virgin?', isn't a sign of doubt about God's power. Unlike Zechariah, who asked 'How can I know this?' out of disbelief, Mary's question stems from a desire for understanding. She accepts the angel's message as fact but needs to grasp the mechanism of its fulfillment. The commentators highlight that her question is about the mode of accomplishment, not the possibility. She's not questioning God's ability but seeking clarity on how this unprecedented event will unfold within the natural order she understands, or how it transcends it.

The Virgin Birth: Divine Power and Human Nature

The conception of Jesus was unlike any other. What does Mary's unique situation reveal about God's power and humanity?

The angel's explanation to Mary reveals the supernatural nature of Jesus' conception: 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.' This emphasizes that Jesus' birth wasn't a conventional human event but a divine intervention. The commentators point out that the Spirit's action and the Highest's power ensure holiness and uniqueness. This miraculous conception wasn't just about fulfilling a prophecy; it was about God entering human history in a way that maintained Jesus' perfect purity, setting Him apart as the Son of God, distinct from all other humanity. It underscores that while Jesus fully entered into human nature, His origin was uniquely divine, untainted by the sin that affects ordinary human conception.

Mary's Surrender: Faith in the Unseen

After receiving the seemingly impossible news and a divine explanation, Mary's response was remarkably humble and obedient. What can we learn from her 'yes'?

Mary's final response, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word,' is a profound act of faith and submission. Having received the angel's explanation about the Holy Spirit's work, she doesn't dwell on the potential difficulties or societal implications. Instead, she embraces God's plan, entrusting herself entirely to His will and power. The commentaries emphasize that this is not passive resignation but an active surrender. She doesn't demand more signs or assurances; she accepts God's word as sufficient. Her 'yes' is a model for how believers are to respond to God's call, even when the path ahead is unclear or challenging, trusting that His power and purpose are greater than our understanding.

Understand the original words

Original language

virginἄνδρα

andra · Greek Noun

A woman who has not had sexual relations; in the context of the birth of Jesus, it underscores the miraculous, non-human agency of the incarnation.

Historical context

Written: Likely mid-60s AD.
Author: Luke, traditionally understood as the physician and companion of the Apostle Paul.
Location: Written likely from Rome or Achaia, detailing events set in Galilee and Judea.
Genre: Gospel narrative, characterized by detailed historical accounts and a focus on the marginalized, including women.

Historical background

Mary's question, 'How will this be, since I am a virgin?' arises within the context of strict Jewish betrothal laws. A betrothal was a legally binding commitment, and conception before cohabitation would have resulted in severe consequences, including being considered an adulteress. Her question reflects a practical concern about navigating these social and legal realities, not a lack of faith in God's power.

c. 2nd century BC
Roman Expansion into Judea
Rome begins to exert influence and eventually control over Judea, leading to political and religious tensions.
c. 1st century BC - 1st century AD
Hasmonean Dynasty Decline
The rule of the Hasmonean dynasty, which had maintained Jewish independence, collapses, paving the way for Roman dominance and the rise of figures like Herod the Great.
c. 4 BC
Herod the Great's Reign Ends
The death of Herod the Great, a Roman client king, leads to further fragmentation and Roman direct rule over Judea.
Early 1st century AD
Roman Census and Political Climate
Sporadic Roman censuses and administrative decrees create a volatile environment, impacting Jewish life and causing population movements.

Key themes

01Faith and doubt inquiry
02Divine power, human limitations
03Astonishment at God's plan
04Questioning the 'how'

Cross-references

Genesis 3:15

This verse contains the first hint of a virgin birth, with the prophecy that the 'seed of the woman' would crush the serpent's head, setting a pattern for God's redemptive plan involving women.

Isaiah 7:14

This prophecy directly foretells that a virgin will conceive and bear a son, naming him Immanuel, which is a foundational Old Testament text for understanding Mary's unique role.

Matthew 1:18-25

This passage parallels Luke's account, explaining Joseph's perspective and how an angel confirmed the miraculous conception to him, reinforcing the divine nature of Jesus' birth.

John 1:14

This verse speaks of the Word becoming flesh, highlighting the theological significance of the Incarnation that Mary's question touches upon – the divine entering the human realm in a physical way.

Romans 1:3-4

Paul's description of Jesus being declared the Son of God with power by his resurrection, through the Spirit of holiness, echoes the divine origin that Mary is questioning and confirming in Luke's account.

Scholarly commentary

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

Chapter 4THE VIRGIN MOTHER . THE Beautiful Gate of the Jewish Temple opened into the "Court of the Women"-so named from the fact that they were not allowed any nearer approach towards the Holy Place. And as we open the gate of the third Gospel we enter the Court of the Women; for more than any other Evangelist, St. Luke records their loving and varied ministries. Perhaps this is owing to his profession, whic…
expositors

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

Luke 1:34-38 . Then said Mary, How shall this be — How can I immediately conceive a child, (for so the angel meant, and so she understood him to mean,) seeing I know not a man? — This was not the language of distrust, or of doubt, respecting what the angel said, but of a desire to be further instructed, for the direction of her conduct. She so inquired concerning the manner, as not to doubt of the fact. Some…
benson

Frequently asked questions

What does Luke 1:34 mean?

Explain the meaning of Luke 1:34

What is the context of Luke 1:34?

Study this verse in Sola

Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.

Open in Sola app Get the app

Ask a follow-up

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "virgin" mean in the original Greek?”
“Why did Luke, traditionally understood as the physician and companion of the Apostle Paul. write Luke 1:34?”
“How does faith and doubt inquiry show up in Luke 1:34?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about Luke 1:34 is available in the Sola app.

This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.

Historical context

Written: Likely mid-60s AD.
Author: Luke, traditionally understood as the physician and companion of the Apostle Paul.
Location: Written likely from Rome or Achaia, detailing events set in Galilee and Judea.
Genre: Gospel narrative, characterized by detailed historical accounts and a focus on the marginalized, including women.

Historical background

c. 2nd century BC

Roman Expansion into Judea

Rome begins to exert influence and eventually control over Judea, leading to political and religious tensions.

c. 1st century BC - 1st century AD

Hasmonean Dynasty Decline

The rule of the Hasmonean dynasty, which had maintained Jewish independence, collapses, paving the way for Roman dominance and the rise of figures like Herod the Great.

c. 4 BC

Herod the Great's Reign Ends

The death of Herod the Great, a Roman client king, leads to further fragmentation and Roman direct rule over Judea.

Early 1st century AD

Roman Census and Political Climate

Sporadic Roman censuses and administrative decrees create a volatile environment, impacting Jewish life and causing population movements.