21/12/2024
Perpetual Virginity of Mary - A Biblical Defence for the Doctrine
"How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” - Luke 1:34
A. Facts at the Time of Mary’s Question (Luke 1:26-33):
1. Mary is an engaged virgin (Luke 1:27).
2. The angel tells Mary, “You will conceive” (Luke 1:31), indicating the conception is a future event.
3. The child will be a descendant of David (Luke 1:32), as is Joseph.
4. Mary is not told when this will happen.
5. Mary has not yet heard the angel’s explanation in verse 35.
6. The angel has not informed Mary that the conception will occur miraculously.
7. Mary is not told she will conceive while remaining a virgin.
8. At this point, conception is typically understood to occur through s*xual in*******se.
9. Information revealed after verse 34 cannot justify Mary’s question, as she is unaware of those details.
B. Mary’s Question (Luke 1:34):
1. Mary asks, “How shall this be, since I know not a man?”
2. This indicates Mary does not understand how the future conception of Jesus will occur.
C. If Mary Plans a Normal Sexual Marriage with Joseph:
1. She would know her virginity will soon end.
2. She would expect to conceive children naturally through s*xual relations with Joseph.
3. Therefore, she would understand how the future conception of Jesus could occur (through s*x with Joseph).
D. Logical Inconsistency:
1. If Mary plans a normal s*xual marriage with Joseph, she would know how conception could happen in the future (from C).
2. However, Mary’s question in B shows that she does not know how conception can happen.
3. Mary cannot simultaneously hold both positions—knowing and not knowing how the conception could occur.
E. Implication of Mary’s Question:
1. Mary’s question, “How shall this be, since I know not a man?” points to her decision not to have s*xual relations with Joseph.
2. If Mary had intended to consummate her marriage in the normal way, her question would make no sense, as she would anticipate conception through those relations.
3. Her lack of understanding about how she could conceive suggests a unique commitment to remain a virgin, even within her marriage.
Why Would Mary Have No Plans to Have Sexual Relations with Joseph?
The most plausible explanation is that Mary had taken a vow of virginity. While this idea might seem surprising—how could a woman with such a vow enter into marriage?—there is biblical precedent for this practice.
In Numbers 30:13, we read:
“Any vow or any binding oath to deny herself, her husband may allow to stand, or her husband may nullify.”
The phrase “deny herself” (Hebrew: ‘annoth naphesh) often refers to fasting, but it also encompasses abstinence from s*xual relations. This interpretation is supported by Leviticus 16:28-29, where the command to “deny themselves” on the Day of Atonement includes abstaining from s*xual activity—a point confirmed by Jewish traditions like the Mishna Yoma 8:1.
Numbers 30 further establishes that a married woman could take a vow of self-denial, including a vow of virginity, as long as her husband agreed to it. Once the husband approved, the vow became binding, even perpetually. This is evident in the case of widows, who are shown to remain bound to their vows even after their husband’s death (Numbers 30:9-10; cf. Luke 2:36-37).
Therefore, Mary’s commitment to virginity is consistent with biblical teachings and practices. It is reasonable to conclude that she and Joseph had mutually agreed to honour such a vow within their marriage.
