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The Historic Faith
Scripture Topic Guide

Bible Verses About The Perpetual Virginity Of Mary

Early Christians clearly taught that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, and writers like Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Origen, and Lactantius repeat that Mary conceived without intercourse. Some later early Christian writings and liturgies also call Mary “ever-virgin” or “Ever-Virgin Mary,” which supports the later church’s use of perpetual virginity language.

But the supplied material is stronger on Mary’s virgin conception than on a full, direct argument that she remained a virgin after Jesus’ birth, and several cards are only indirect or typological. So the evidence for perpetual virginity is real but uneven: broad for the virgin birth, thinner and less direct for lifelong virginity.

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Key Passages

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How to Study The Perpetual Virginity Of Mary

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23 references

Foundation Texts

Luke 1:27 primary

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

Calls Mary a virgin in the birth narrative

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

Direct virginity statement in Luke

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.

Direct Bible passage on conception before coming together

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.

Direct Bible passage on conception by the Holy Spirit

Supporting Passages

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Mary's submission follows the annunciation

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

Annunciation to Mary

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

Shows Mary as Joseph's betrothed wife with child.

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

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.

Bible passage for virgin birth, but duplicate-intent with stronger Matthew/Luke cards already selected.

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And he shall take a wife in her virginity.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.