Mary's question, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" isn't doubt, but a practical query about the mechanics of a miracle, unlike Zechariah's outright disbelief. She understood the angel’s words to mean the conception was imminent, prior to marital union, highlighting her keen grasp of the spiritual and the natural.
And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The angel Gabriel has just appeared to Mary, a young virgin betrothed to Joseph, and announced that she will conceive and bear a son, the Son of the Most High. Mary, understandably bewildered by this miraculous news given her virgin status, questions the angel about how this can possibly happen.
When Mary heard the angel's incredible news, her first reaction wasn't disbelief, but a question. What does this reveal about faith?
Mary's question, 'How will this be, since I am a virgin?' isn't a sign of doubt or lack of faith. It's a natural, humble inquiry seeking to understand the mechanism of God's miraculous plan.
The angel's answer to Mary's question points to a divine power at work, revealing God's method for bringing about His will.
Gabriel's response illuminates the active role of the Holy Spirit in the miraculous conception of Jesus:
Ask a follow-up
After receiving the explanation, Mary's response is one of profound submission. What does her 'yes' teach us about true obedience?
Mary's ultimate response, 'I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled,' is a beautiful example of faith-surrendered obedience.
Understand the original words
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.
Pneuma Hagion · Greek Noun
The third person of the Trinity; the active agent of God in creation, sanctification, and the incarnation of the Son.
dynamis · Greek Noun
The manifestation of God's sovereign efficacy and ability to perform His will; it is distinct from human strength and signifies divine intervention.
episkiasei · Greek Verb
To cast a shadow over; in biblical language, this refers to the divine presence or glory enveloping something or someone, signaling God's protection and creative activity.
hagion · Greek Adjective
Separated from sin, set apart for God's use, and possessing the essential character of God; signifying moral purity and divine quality.
Mary's question, 'How will this be, since I am a virgin?', isn't born of disbelief in God's power, but a genuine, practical inquiry about the *how* of a miracle, rooted in her understanding of natural laws and her own virgin status. It reflects a thoughtful, reasoning faith, not doubt.
c. 1st Century BC
Roman Rule in Judea
The Roman Empire exerts significant political control over Judea, appointing client kings and governors, influencing local affairs and taxation.
c. 2 BC
Quirinius' Census
A census is ordered by the Roman governor Quirinius, requiring people to register in their ancestral towns, a decree that would later necessitate Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem.
c. 1 BC— this verse
Angel Gabriel Appears to Mary
The angel Gabriel announces to Mary in Nazareth that she will conceive a son by the Holy Spirit, who will be called Jesus, the Son of God.
c. 1 BC
Mary Visits Elisabeth
Mary travels to the hill country of Judea to visit her relative Elisabeth, who is also miraculously pregnant in her old age.
c. 1 BC
Mary's Magnificat
During her visit with Elisabeth, Mary breaks into a song of praise, known as the Magnificat, expressing her joy and devotion.
c. 1 BC
Joseph Learns of Mary's Pregnancy
Joseph, Mary's betrothed, learns of her pregnancy and, being a righteous man, plans to divorce her quietly to protect her from public shame.
c. 1 BC
Angel Appears to Joseph
An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, explaining Mary's pregnancy is from the Holy Spirit and reassuring him not to be afraid to take her as his wife.
This verse directly prophesies the virgin birth of the Messiah, which is the central mystery Mary is questioning in Luke 1:34.
Genesis 3:15This foundational promise of a 'seed' of the woman to crush the serpent's head is the ultimate origin of the Messianic hope, making Mary's question about bearing this Seed a pivotal moment in salvation history.
Matthew 1:18-23This passage parallels Mary's experience by detailing Joseph's reaction to her pregnancy and the angel's explanation to him, confirming the miraculous nature of Jesus' conception.
Luke 1:36-37The angel uses Elizabeth's miraculous pregnancy as a sign to Mary, providing a tangible, relatable example of God's power to overcome natural limitations, directly addressing Mary's 'how?'
expositorsLuke 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…
bensonLuke 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…
Mary's question, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" isn't doubt, but a practical query about the mechanics of a miracle, unlike Zechariah's outright disbelief. She understood the angel’s words to mean the conception was imminent, prior to marital union, highlighting her keen grasp of the spiritual and the natural.
The angel Gabriel has just appeared to Mary, a young virgin betrothed to Joseph, and announced that she will conceive and bear a son, the Son of the Most High. Mary, understandably bewildered by this miraculous news given her virgin status, questions the angel about how this can possibly happen.
The angel Gabriel has just appeared to Mary, a young virgin betrothed to Joseph, and announced that she will conceive and bear a son, the Son of the Most High. Mary, understandably bewildered by this miraculous news given her virgin status, questions the angel about how this can possibly happen.
"And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—th…" — Mary's question, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" isn't doubt, but a practical query about the mechanics of a miracle, unlike Zechariah's outright disbelief. She understood the angel’s words…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
