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Scripture Topic Guide

Bible Verses About The Virgin Birth

Early Christian writers taught that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, by the Holy Spirit, and without human father. Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, Lactantius, and Methodius all speak this way, and they often tie the virgin birth to Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:18-23. The witness is broad across the 2nd and 3rd centuries, and some writers also say Mary remained a virgin at the birth itself.

A few cards are only background, repeat the same teaching, or lean on later liturgical wording, but the main claim is strongly and consistently supported.

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Early Christian Beliefs About The Virgin Birth

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1 Matthew 1:18 2 Luke 1:35 3 Isaiah 7:14 4 Matthew 1:23 5 Luke 1:34 6 Luke 1:27 7 Luke 1:31 8 Matthew 1:20 9 Galatians 4:4 10 John 1:13

How to Study The Virgin Birth

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12 references

Foundation Texts

Matthew 1:18 primary

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 Matthew birth narrative passage

Luke 1:35

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Key annunciation passage used by early writers

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.

Direct prophecy text for the virgin birth

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.

Direct Matthew 1:23 wording

Supporting Passages

Luke 1:34

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

Mary's own question implies virginity

Luke 1:27

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

Luke's setting for the annunciation

Luke 1:31

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

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.

Explains conception from the Holy Spirit

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

John 1:13

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Philippians 2:7

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.