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Mary was also a virgin. The Greek word used for “virgin” is PARTHENOS. It usually means virgin,
but sometimes it can mean “young woman” as in 1 Cor. 7:25. Isaiah 7:14 predicted that Mary would
be a virgin.
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. (NASB) Isa. 7:14 The Hebrew word translated as “virgin” is ALMAH. This word means “virgin.” Some have said that Mary was not a virgin, claiming that neither PARTHENOS or ALMAH means ‘virgin.” But Isaiah 7:14 is talking about a sign. The sign was that a “virgin” would give birth. Now that is a miracle! But a sexually experienced or married woman giving birth is not a sign. It is something to be expected. The context proves that Isaiah is talking about a virgin. Also, Mary will make it clear in a few verses that she has not been sexually active, when she says that she does not know a man.
Gabriel’s Message. When Gabriel spoke, this humble, young girl heard gracious
and kind words,
And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” (NASB) Luke 1:28 What did she hear? She did not hear, "Hail, Mary full of grace." Gabriel did not speak those words. Those
words come from the Latin Vulgate which is an inaccurate translation of the Greek. Instead Mary heard that
she was favored. While every Christian is favored by our Lord God, these words imply something special. She
must have wondered, "In what way am I favored?" |
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