Luke 1:34

KJV

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} said {G2036} Mary {G3137} unto {G4314} the angel {G32}, How {G4459} shall {G2071} this {G5124} be {G2071}, seeing {G1893} I know {G1097} not {G3756} a man {G435}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"How can this be," asked Miryam of the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

Berean Standard Bible

“How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

American Standard Version

And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mary's profound question marks a pivotal moment in the annunciation narrative, revealing her humble yet logical human inquiry into the mechanics of a divine promise. Faced with the angel Gabriel's declaration that she, a virgin, would conceive and bear the Son of God, Mary seeks understanding regarding the physical impossibility of such an event given her marital status, setting the stage for one of Scripture's clearest affirmations of the miraculous virgin birth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the angel Gabriel's astonishing announcement to Mary in [Luke 1:26-33](/luke/1-26-33 "Luke 1:26-33 - The Annunciation to Mary"), where he declares that she will conceive a son by the Holy Spirit, name him Jesus, and that he will be the Son of the Most High, reigning over the house of Jacob forever. Mary's question arises as a direct, natural response to this supernatural declaration, highlighting the biological paradox presented by Gabriel's words. Her inquiry contrasts sharply with the initial disbelief and subsequent muteness of Zechariah, John the Baptist's father, when he received a similar miraculous promise in [Luke 1:18-20](/luke/1-18-20 "Luke 1:18-20 - Zechariah's Doubt and Muteness"). Mary's question is not born of doubt, but of a sincere desire for clarification regarding the "how" of God's plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, virginity before marriage was strictly guarded and highly valued. A betrothal, though not yet a legal marriage, was a binding commitment, making any premarital sexual activity a grave offense. Mary's statement, "seeing I know not a man," underscores her status as a virgin who had not yet consummated her betrothal to Joseph. This cultural reality makes Gabriel's prophecy even more astounding and Mary's question entirely understandable. Furthermore, the setting in Nazareth, a small, unassuming Galilean town, adds to the unexpected nature of God's choice, highlighting His tendency to work through the humble and overlooked, a theme found throughout [biblical history](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abraham").
* **Key Themes:** Mary's question contributes significantly to several key themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It directly introduces the theme of the **Virgin Birth**, a foundational doctrine of Christian faith, emphasizing the unique, supernatural origin of Jesus Christ. It also highlights the **Clash of Human Logic and Divine Power**, demonstrating that God's plans often transcend human understanding and natural laws. Mary's response exemplifies **Humble Inquiry versus Doubt**, portraying her as a thoughtful, receptive servant rather than a skeptic, setting the stage for her faithful submission in [Luke 1:38](/luke/1-38 "Luke 1:38 - Mary's Submission"). This moment underscores God's **Sovereignty and Faithfulness** in fulfilling His promises, even through seemingly impossible means, a concept echoed in [Jeremiah 32:27](/jeremiah/32-27 "Jeremiah 32:27 - God's Omnipotence").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb, G1097, signifies to "know" in a deep, intimate, and experiential sense, not merely intellectual acquaintance. In biblical Hebrew and Greek idiom, "to know" a person, especially in the context of marriage or procreation (as seen in [Genesis 4:1](/genesis/4-1 "Genesis 4:1 - Adam Knew Eve")), refers to sexual intercourse. Mary's use of this word emphatically declares her virginity and the absence of any sexual relations.
* **man (Greek, _anḗr'_):** This noun, G435, specifically refers to an individual male, a husband, or a fellow, distinguishing it from the more general term for human being (_anthrōpos_). Mary's choice of "man" confirms she is speaking about a male partner in a conjugal sense, reinforcing the biological impossibility of the angel's announcement from a human perspective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Mary unto the angel,"**: This opening clause establishes Mary's direct and immediate engagement with Gabriel's message. Her response is not one of shock-induced silence or outright rejection, but a measured and respectful address to the divine messenger, indicating a readiness to understand.
* **"How shall this be,"**: This is the core of Mary's inquiry. The interrogative "How" (Greek, _pōs'_ - G4459) seeks an explanation for the mechanism of conception. It is a logical question from a human perspective, acknowledging the miraculous nature of the promise while seeking to reconcile it with her physical reality. It sets up the angel's subsequent explanation of divine intervention.
* **"seeing I know not a man?"**: This phrase provides the crucial context for Mary's "how." The Greek particle _epeí_ (G1893), translated as "seeing," introduces the reason or cause for her question. Her declaration "I know not a man" (Greek, _ou ginṓskō anḗr_ - G3756, G1097, G435) is a clear and unambiguous statement of her virginity, making the angel's prophecy of conception utterly impossible by natural means.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices to convey the significance of this moment. The most prominent is **Dialogue**, which provides a direct and intimate exchange between the divine messenger and the human recipient, allowing the reader to witness Mary's genuine reaction and humble inquiry. Mary's question, "How shall this be...?" functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, not necessarily seeking a simple factual answer, but expressing the profound human incomprehension in the face of a divine miracle. It highlights the vast chasm between human capability and God's omnipotence. Furthermore, the phrase "I know not a man" serves as a **Euphemism** for sexual intimacy, a common biblical idiom that delicately yet unequivocally communicates Mary's virgin status without explicit language, underscoring the purity and sanctity of her condition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mary's question and the subsequent divine explanation lay the theological groundwork for understanding the unique person of Jesus Christ. Her virginity, explicitly stated, is not merely a biological detail but a theological necessity, affirming that Jesus' conception was a direct, supernatural act of God, ensuring His sinless nature and divine Sonship. This event demonstrates God's power to transcend natural laws, fulfilling His redemptive plan through miraculous means. It underscores the truth that salvation is entirely a work of God, not dependent on human agency or natural processes, thus magnifying His grace and sovereignty. Mary's humble inquiry, rather than doubt, models a faith that seeks understanding while remaining open to the impossible.

* [Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - Gabriel's Explanation of the Holy Spirit's Role")
* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of the Virgin Birth")
* [Matthew 1:18-25](/matthew/1-18-25 "Matthew 1:18-25 - The Birth of Jesus Foretold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mary's response to Gabriel offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. When confronted with God's seemingly impossible commands or promises, it is natural to question "how." However, Mary's inquiry is not rooted in skepticism or a refusal to believe, but in a sincere desire for understanding and a humble recognition of her own limitations. Her question, "How shall this be?" invites divine explanation, rather than shutting down the possibility. This teaches us that genuine faith is not blind; it can ask questions, wrestle with paradoxes, and seek clarity, all while maintaining an open heart to God's supernatural power. In our own lives, when God calls us to tasks that seem beyond our natural abilities or understanding, we are encouraged to bring our "hows" to Him in prayer, trusting that His power is limitless and that He will provide the means, often through the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, to accomplish His divine will. This verse reminds us that God's ways are indeed higher than our ways, and His wisdom surpasses all human comprehension.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when God's will or promises seem impossible or contrary to my understanding?**
* **Am I willing to ask "how" with a heart of humble inquiry, or does my questioning often stem from doubt or resistance?**
* **What "impossible" situations in my life might God be calling me to trust Him with, even when the "how" is unclear?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's supernatural power to accomplish what is humanly impossible?**

### FAQ

**Was Mary expressing doubt or disbelief in the angel's message?**

Answer: No, Mary was not expressing doubt or disbelief. Her question, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" is a logical inquiry stemming from her physical reality as a virgin. Unlike Zechariah, who doubted the angel's message due to his and Elizabeth's old age in [Luke 1:18](/luke/1-18 "Luke 1:18 - Zechariah's Doubt"), Mary's question seeks understanding regarding the mechanism of conception, not the veracity of the promise itself. Her subsequent response in [Luke 1:38](/luke/1-38 "Luke 1:38 - Mary's Humble Submission") – "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" – clearly demonstrates her profound faith and submission to God's will.

**What does "I know not a man" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "I know not a man" is a common biblical idiom for sexual intimacy or conjugal relations. In both Hebrew and Greek cultures, "to know" someone in this context implies a deep, personal, and physical relationship, specifically sexual intercourse. Mary's statement unequivocally affirms her virginity and the absence of any sexual experience, underscoring the miraculous nature of the angel's prophecy that she would conceive a son. This usage is consistent with other biblical passages, such as [Genesis 4:1](/genesis/4-1 "Genesis 4:1 - Adam Knew Eve"), where Adam "knew" Eve.

**Why is the virgin birth of Jesus so important theologically?**

Answer: The virgin birth is a cornerstone of Christian theology because it affirms Jesus' unique identity as both fully human and fully divine. It signifies that Jesus' origin was not through natural human procreation but by a direct, supernatural act of God the Holy Spirit ([Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - The Holy Spirit's Role in Conception")). This miraculous conception ensures Jesus' sinlessness, as He did not inherit the fallen nature passed down through human lineage ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus' Sinlessness")). It also fulfills Old Testament prophecies, such as [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel"), and underscores that salvation is entirely a divine initiative, not dependent on human effort or natural processes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mary's profound question in [Luke 1:34](/luke/1-34 "Luke 1:34 - Mary's Question") sets the stage for the ultimate revelation of Christ's unique identity. Her declaration of virginity ("I know not a man") directly necessitates the divine intervention described by Gabriel in [Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - Gabriel's Explanation"), where the Holy Spirit's overshadowing power enables the conception. This miraculous birth is foundational to Christology, establishing Jesus' status as the Son of God in a unique sense, not merely as a prophet or a king, but as the incarnate Word ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Because He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and not through natural human means, Jesus entered humanity without the stain of inherited sin, making Him the perfect, spotless Lamb of God capable of bearing the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His virgin birth is thus inextricably linked to His sinless life, His atoning death, and His role as the perfect mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator")). Mary's humble inquiry ultimately points to the incomprehensible wisdom and power of God, who, in Christ, bridges the infinite gap between the divine and the human, offering salvation to all who believe.

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

Judges 13:8

¶ Then Manoah intreated the LORD, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.

Judges 13:12

And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass. How shall we order the child, and [how] shall we do unto him?

Acts 9:6

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.