Luke 1:34

Context of Luke 1:34

This verse captures a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Jesus' birth, following the angel Gabriel's annunciation to Mary in Nazareth. Gabriel had just declared that Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph, would conceive a son who would be called the Son of God. Mary's question arises from a natural human understanding of biology, especially given her status as a virgin who had not yet consummated her marriage. Her query reflects a desire for clarity regarding the logistics of this divine promise, rather than a sign of doubt or disbelief, contrasting with Zacharias's initial response to a similar miraculous announcement about John the Baptist.

Key Themes and Meaning

• The Virgin Birth: Mary's question directly highlights the miraculous and unprecedented nature of the virgin birth, a central doctrine of Christian faith. Her statement, "seeing I know not a man," explicitly affirms her virginity, making the angel's prophecy all the more astounding.
• Human Logic vs. Divine Power: Mary's inquiry represents the clash between human understanding and God's infinite power. She is asking "how" something humanly impossible will occur, setting the stage for Gabriel's explanation of divine intervention through the Holy Spirit.
• Mary's Humility and Inquiry: Mary's question is not one of skepticism, but rather of humble inquiry. She is seeking to understand the mechanism of God's plan, demonstrating a thoughtful and receptive heart, even in the face of the incomprehensible.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "I know not a man" is a common Hebrew idiom for sexual intimacy. In the King James Version, "know" is used in this context to denote conjugal relations, as seen in other biblical passages (e.g., Genesis 4:1). Mary's simple, direct statement confirms her virginity and underscores the biological impossibility of the angel's pronouncement without divine intervention.

Connections and Significance

Mary's question directly leads to Gabriel's profound explanation in Luke 1:35: "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee." This clarifies that the conception would be a supernatural act, not a natural one. The angel also offers the example of Elizabeth's miraculous pregnancy as further evidence of God's power. This event fulfills ancient prophecies, such as the one found in Isaiah 7:14, which foretells that "a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son." Mary's eventual humble submission in Luke 1:38, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word," demonstrates her profound faith.

Practical Application

Mary's response offers a powerful lesson for believers today. When faced with God's seemingly impossible commands or promises, it is natural to ask "how." However, like Mary, our questions should stem from a desire for understanding and a readiness to obey, rather than from doubt. This verse reminds us that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His power is limitless. When God calls us to something beyond our natural abilities, He also provides the supernatural means to accomplish it, often through the power of the Holy Spirit. It encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when the details are beyond our full comprehension.