To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name [was] Mary.
To {G4314} a virgin {G3933} espoused {G3423} to a man {G435} whose {G3739} name {G3686} was Joseph {G2501}, of {G1537} the house {G3624} of David {G1138}; and {G2532} the virgin's {G3933} name {G3686} was Mary {G3137}.
to a virgin engaged to a man named Yosef, of the house of David; the virgin's name was Miryam.
to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.
to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
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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. -
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 1:16
And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. -
Matthew 1:23
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. -
Matthew 1:20
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. -
Matthew 1:21
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. -
Jeremiah 31:22
How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.
Luke 1:27 introduces two pivotal figures in the Christmas narrative: Mary and Joseph. This verse immediately follows the angel Gabriel’s appearance to Mary, setting the stage for the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ.
Context and Setting
The verse states that Mary was a "virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph." In ancient Jewish culture, betrothal (or espousal) was a legally binding agreement, far more serious than a modern engagement. It meant the couple was considered legally married, though they had not yet begun living together or consummated the marriage. Breaking an espousal required a formal divorce, as seen in Joseph's initial reaction to Mary's pregnancy. Mary's status as a virgin underscores the miraculous nature of Jesus' conception by the Holy Spirit, as prophesied in Isaiah 7:14.
Joseph is identified as being "of the house of David." This detail is crucial for establishing Jesus' legal lineage to King David, fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would come from David's royal line. This connection validates Jesus' claim to the throne of Israel, as seen in Luke 2:4 and the genealogies presented in both Matthew and Luke.
Key Themes and Insights
Linguistic Nuances
The Greek word for "espoused" is mnesteuo (μνηστεύω), which signifies a formal, binding engagement. This status meant Mary was legally bound to Joseph, even though they were not yet cohabiting. This legal bond is important for understanding the societal implications of her pregnancy and why Joseph considered divorcing her before the angel intervened.
Practical Application
Luke 1:27 reminds us that God's plans often unfold in unexpected ways, involving seemingly ordinary individuals like Mary and Joseph. Their willingness to obey, despite the personal and social challenges, allowed them to participate in God's grand redemptive narrative. For believers today, this verse encourages trust in God's sovereign choices and His ability to use anyone who is yielded to His will, regardless of their status or perceived significance.