Meaning of Luke 1:34

Mary's question, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:34), is not an expression of doubt or disbelief in God's power, but rather a sincere inquiry rooted in her understanding of natural human processes and her commitment to her virginity. The angel Gabriel had just announced to her that she would conceive and bear a son who would be called the Son of the Most High, destined to reign eternally. Her question highlights the unprecedented nature of this divine intervention, as conception typically requires the union of a man and a woman. It underscores her recognition of the miraculous aspect of the prophecy, demonstrating her engagement with the divine message and her desire for clarity before assenting to God's will.

Context and Background

This exchange occurs in the opening chapter of Luke, which meticulously recounts the miraculous births of John the Baptist and Jesus. Mary, a young woman betrothed to Joseph, is visited by the angel Gabriel in Nazareth. The angel's pronouncement is startling: she will conceive by the Holy Spirit, bypassing natural human reproduction. This announcement is part of a larger divine plan to bring about the salvation of humanity through the incarnation of God's Son. Mary's question arises immediately after Gabriel's astonishing revelation, placing it squarely within the context of divine announcement and human response to the miraculous.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary themes are divine power and human response. Mary's question emphasizes the absolute sovereignty of God, who can accomplish what is humanly impossible. It also highlights faith and understanding. Mary doesn't reject the prophecy; she seeks to understand how it will be fulfilled, indicating a desire for informed faith rather than blind acceptance. Her question also points to the purity and consecration of Mary, underscoring her commitment to her virginity, which the angel assures her will be preserved through the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, Mary's question serves as a model for how believers should approach God's promises. It encourages seeking understanding in our walk of faith, asking clarifying questions when faced with divine revelations or challenging circumstances. It also teaches that even in miraculous situations, there is a process of human cooperation and understanding involved. Her ultimate "yes" after the explanation, "I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled" (Luke 1:38), demonstrates a profound act of submission and trust in God's plan, even when the mechanics are not fully grasped.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event is central to the incarnation, the theological doctrine that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. Mary's virgin conception is the linchpin of this miraculous birth, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. It marks the beginning of the redemptive history that unfolds throughout the New Testament, culminating in Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. This event bridges the Old Covenant with the New, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises of a Savior.

Analogies

One analogy for Mary's question could be a scientist being told that a certain complex experiment will yield a groundbreaking result, and the scientist, understanding the current limitations of their field, asks, "But how is this scientifically possible?" The question isn't about doubting the outcome, but about understanding the mechanism. Another analogy is an architect being told a building will stand on a seemingly unstable foundation; they would naturally inquire about the engineering solutions that will make it possible. In both cases, the question stems from a deep knowledge of existing principles and a desire to understand how those principles are being overcome by a superior force or understanding.

Relation to Other Verses

Mary's question and the angel's response are directly linked to other significant biblical passages. The prophecy of a virgin birth is foreshadowed in Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." The angel's reassurance, that "For no word from God will ever fail" (Luke 1:37), echoes God's declaration in Numbers 23:19: "God is not human, that he should lie, not a person, that he should change his mind. Has he not promised, and will he not do it? Has he not spoken, and will he not make it good?" Furthermore, the concept of the Holy Spirit's creative power is seen in Genesis 1:2, where the Spirit hovered over the waters, and in Psalm 33:6, stating that the heavens were made by the word of the Lord and their starry host by the breath of his mouth.