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Scripture Topic Guide

Bible Verses About Theotokos And Mary As God-Bearer

Early Christians did call Mary the God-bearer in plain language, and they tied that title to Jesus truly being conceived and born from her as God in the flesh. Ignatius, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, Gregory Thaumaturgus, and later liturgical texts all speak of Mary as the mother of the Lord, the Virgin who bore God, or the God-Mother. The strongest and widest evidence is not just the title itself, but the repeated confession that the one born from Mary is the Son of God and God with us.

The record is broad across the second and third centuries, though some later liturgical wording is devotional rather than a doctrinal argument. A few loose cards only mention Mary by name or treat other Marys, so they are not part of the main teaching here.

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Key Passages

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How to Study Theotokos And Mary As God-Bearer

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18 references

Foundation Texts

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.

Core virgin conception verse.

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 obedient response to the angel.

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

Shows Mary's virginity in the conception narrative.

Supporting Passages

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.

Matthew 1:23 gives Emmanuel / God with us wording.

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

Annunciation says she will conceive and bear a son.

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.

Angel announces the Holy Thing born of her as Son of God.

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

Angel's favor language in the conception story.

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

Identifies Mary as a virgin betrothed to Joseph.

And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Elizabeth calls Mary the mother of my Lord.

And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

Blessed are you among women line.

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Old Testament prophecy used for Emmanuel.

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.

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Elizabeth praises Mary's faith.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

Angel greeting to Mary.

Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

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.

And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.