Luke 1:27

KJV

To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name [was] Mary.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to a virgin engaged to a man named Yosef, of the house of David; the virgin's name was Miryam.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 1:27 introduces the human parents of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, providing crucial details about their social standing and lineage. It identifies Mary as a virgin who was legally betrothed to Joseph, a man explicitly noted as being "of the house of David." This verse sets the immediate stage for the angelic annunciation to Mary, establishing the foundational human and prophetic elements necessary for understanding the miraculous conception and the Messiah's identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Luke 1:26](/luke/1-26 "Luke 1:26 - Gabriel Sent to Nazareth"), which describes the angel Gabriel being sent by God to Nazareth, a town in Galilee. The preceding verses of [Luke 1](/luke/1 "Luke 1 - The Birth of John and Jesus Foretold") have already detailed the miraculous conception of John the Baptist to Zechariah and Elizabeth, setting a precedent for divine intervention in human birth. Luke 1:27 transitions from the general location to specific individuals, providing the essential background for Gabriel's pivotal announcement to Mary in [Luke 1:28-38](/luke/1-28-38 "Luke 1:28-38 - The Annunciation to Mary"). The detailed identification of Mary and Joseph, particularly Joseph's Davidic lineage, is critical for understanding the subsequent claims about Jesus' messianic identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, betrothal (Greek: _mnesteúō_) was a legally binding agreement, far more serious than a modern engagement. It was considered the first stage of marriage, making the couple legally husband and wife, though they did not yet cohabit or consummate the marriage. Breaking a betrothal required a formal divorce, as evidenced by [Joseph's dilemma in Matthew 1:19](/matthew/1-19 "Matthew 1:19 - Joseph's Righteousness"). The term "virgin" (Greek: _parthénos_) was unambiguous, denoting a woman who had not yet engaged in sexual relations. The emphasis on Joseph being "of the house of David" was culturally paramount. The expectation of a Messiah from the lineage of King David was deeply ingrained in Jewish eschatology, rooted in prophecies like [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"). This detail would have immediately signaled messianic significance to a Jewish audience.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 1:27 contributes significantly to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Choice and Humility**, as God chooses a humble, unmarried virgin from an unassuming town to participate in His grand redemptive plan, echoing God's historical pattern of using the lowly (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Lowly")). Secondly, the verse firmly establishes the **Messianic Lineage** of Jesus through Joseph's connection to the "house of David." This detail is crucial for affirming Jesus' rightful claim as the promised King and heir to the Davidic throne, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's royal descent (e.g., [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")). Finally, the explicit mention of Mary's **Virginity** is foundational to the doctrine of the virgin birth, underscoring the unique, supernatural nature of Jesus' conception by the Holy Spirit, distinct from human procreation. This theme is further developed in [Luke 1:34-35](/luke/1-34-35 "Luke 1:34-35 - Mary's Question and Gabriel's Answer").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **virgin (Greek, _parthénos'_):** This term (G3933) denotes a maiden or an unmarried daughter, specifically one who has not had sexual intercourse. In the context of Luke 1:27, its use is critical, emphasizing Mary's sexual purity and setting the stage for the miraculous, non-human conception of Jesus, which is central to the Christian doctrine of the virgin birth.
* **espoused (Greek, _mnēsteúō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to give an engagement present" (G3423), this term signifies betrothal. In Jewish culture, betrothal was a formal, legally binding agreement that established the couple as husband and wife, though the marriage was not yet consummated. This status meant that Mary was legally bound to Joseph, making her pregnancy a profound social and legal dilemma that would require divine intervention to resolve.
* **house (Greek, _oîkos'_):** This word (G3624) refers to a dwelling, but by implication, it also signifies a family or household. When combined with "of David" (G1138, _Dabíd_), it specifically identifies Joseph's familial lineage as tracing back to King David. This detail is paramount for establishing Jesus' legal claim to the Davidic throne and fulfilling the numerous Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's royal descent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph":** This clause introduces Mary as the central figure, immediately highlighting her status as a "virgin" and her legal bond to Joseph through betrothal. The mention of Joseph's name prepares the reader for his role in the narrative, particularly his Davidic lineage. This detail is crucial for establishing the legal framework for Jesus' identity.
* **"of the house of David":** This phrase directly links Joseph, and by extension Jesus, to the royal line of King David. This connection is not merely genealogical but profoundly theological, signaling the fulfillment of ancient prophecies that the Messiah would come from David's lineage. It provides the legal and prophetic basis for Jesus' claim to the throne of Israel.
* **"and the virgin's name was Mary":** This final clause explicitly names the virgin introduced earlier, identifying her as Mary. The repetition of "the virgin" serves to re-emphasize her unique status, which is foundational to the miraculous nature of Jesus' conception. This simple identification grounds the divine narrative in a specific, humble individual.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 1:27 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological significance. The most prominent is **Emphasis** through repetition, as the term "virgin" is used twice within the single verse, drawing immediate attention to Mary's unique status. This repetition underscores the miraculous nature of the impending conception. There is also clear **Identification**, as the verse meticulously names and situates the key human figures—Mary and Joseph—within their social and historical context. Furthermore, the mention of Joseph being "of the house of David" serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Jesus' future royal identity and his fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, thereby establishing his messianic credentials even before his birth is announced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 1:27 is theologically rich, serving as a foundational statement for the incarnation. It meticulously establishes the human context for a divine event, ensuring that Jesus' humanity is rooted in a verifiable lineage while simultaneously highlighting the supernatural nature of his conception through Mary's virginity. The emphasis on Joseph's Davidic lineage underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of an eternal kingdom through David's seed. This verse thus bridges the Old Testament prophecies with their New Testament fulfillment, demonstrating God's meticulous planning and sovereign control over history to bring about salvation.

* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel's Birth"): "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"): "And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom."
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"): Provides Jesus' genealogy through Joseph, explicitly tracing his lineage back to David and Abraham.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 1:27 invites us to marvel at God's sovereign and meticulous plan for redemption, which unfolds through seemingly ordinary individuals in specific historical and cultural contexts. Mary and Joseph, though humble, were chosen by God for an extraordinary role, demonstrating that God often works through those who are available and obedient, rather than those of high status or worldly renown. Their willingness to embrace God's call, despite the potential social stigma and personal challenges, serves as a profound example of faith and surrender. For believers today, this verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His ability to use us, regardless of our perceived insignificance, to accomplish His divine purposes. It reminds us that our personal narratives are often interwoven with God's grand redemptive story, calling us to a posture of humble obedience and availability.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on Mary's virginity challenge or affirm your understanding of God's power and methods?**
* **What does Joseph's Davidic lineage reveal about God's faithfulness to His promises throughout history?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to participate in His plan, even if it seems unexpected or challenging?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important that Joseph was "of the house of David," even though Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit?**

Answer: It is critically important that Joseph was "of the house of David" for several reasons. While Jesus was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit and not through biological fatherhood with Joseph, Joseph was Mary's legally espoused husband. In Jewish law and culture, legal paternity was often established through the husband. By being legally bound to Joseph, Jesus inherited Joseph's legal lineage, thereby fulfilling the numerous Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would come from the royal line of King David (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant") and [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Root of Jesse")). This legal connection validated Jesus' claim to the throne of Israel and his identity as the promised Messiah, a fact emphasized by the genealogies presented in both [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 1:27, by introducing Mary as a virgin betrothed to Joseph "of the house of David," lays foundational groundwork for the Christ-centered narrative that is about to unfold. The virginity of Mary is crucial for understanding Jesus' unique nature as the Son of God, conceived not by human will but by the Holy Spirit, as affirmed in [Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - The Holy Spirit Will Come Upon You"). This miraculous conception ensures that Jesus, though fully human, is also truly divine, without the stain of inherited sin, making Him the perfect sacrifice for humanity's redemption (cf. [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). Furthermore, Joseph's lineage "of the house of David" establishes Jesus' legal claim to the Davidic throne, fulfilling centuries of Old Testament prophecy that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David (e.g., [Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5 - A Righteous Branch of David")). This dual emphasis on divine conception and Davidic lineage positions Jesus as both the Son of God and the rightful King of Israel, the one who inaugurates God's eternal kingdom, as proclaimed throughout the Gospels and Epistles (e.g., [Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3-4 "Romans 1:3-4 - Concerning His Son")). Thus, Luke 1:27 is not merely a biographical detail but a profound theological statement pointing directly to the person and work of Jesus Christ as the promised Savior and King.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.