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 1:27 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Gospel of Luke is about the angel Gabriel visiting Mary to announce that she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit and give birth to a son, who will be named Jesus. The verse situates Mary within her cultural context by identifying her as a virgin engaged to Joseph, who comes from the lineage of King David. This is significant because the Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would come from the line of David. By highlighting Mary's virginity and Joseph's lineage, the verse sets the stage for the miraculous birth of Jesus, emphasizing the divine origins of his conception. Additionally, Mary's faithfulness and obedience to God's plan despite the extraordinary circumstances demonstrate her importance in the story of Jesus' birth. This verse serves as a foundational piece in the narrative of the Incarnation, illustrating the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the beginning of Jesus' ministry on earth.
Theological Overview
In the theological interpretation of the verse "To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary", the focus is on the significance of Mary's virginity in the context of the prophecy of the Messiah. The word "virgin" in this verse is often closely examined, as it is believed to fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 - "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." This theological interpretation emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth, as it was foretold in the Old Testament. Furthermore, the mention of Joseph being from the house of David is significant in establishing Jesus' lineage as descending from the royal line of King David, fulfilling another prophecy regarding the Messiah. Overall, this verse highlights the divine plan and fulfillment of prophecy through the birth of Jesus to the virgin Mary and her betrothed, Joseph, connecting the Old Testament prophecies with the events surrounding the birth of Jesus in the New Testament.
Luke 1:27 in other translations
American Standard Version
to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
World English Bible
to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
Douay-Rheims
To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin's name was Mary.
Geneva Bible (1599)
To a virgin affianced to a man whose name was Ioseph, of the house of Dauid, and the virgins name was Marie.