Further Study

Digging In

Read: Isaiah 7:14.

The Hebrew word for virgin (‘almâh) has multiple meanings. It can mean an unmarried woman of marriageable age and a young female who is sexually mature. It occurs elsewhere in Genesis 24:43 (“maiden”); Exodus 2:8 (“girl”); Psalm 68:25 (“maidens”); Proverbs 30:19 (“maiden”); Song of Songs 1:3 (“maidens”); 6:8 (“virgins”). (Source: Bible Knowledge Commentary).

One modern translation of Isaiah 7:14 renders the Hebrew word as “young maiden.” How does this impact the meaning of Isaiah’s prophecy?

However, many Bible scholars believe the word used in Isaiah 7:14 is best translated “virgin,” i.e., one who has never had sexual intercourse with a man. Matthew stressed that Joseph and Mary’s marriage was not consummated until after Jesus’ birth (Matt. 1:18, 25) and that this fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy (Matt. 1:21-23).

In view of this, why should the Hebrew word in Isaiah be translated “virgin”?

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Going Further

Read: Luke 1:26-38.

What fears might Mary have experienced at the angel Gabriel’s prediction that she would conceive a child prior to her marriage to Joseph? (vv. 26-33).

The angel predicted supernatural elements for Mary’s anticipated holy conception. What were they, and why are they significant? (vv. 34-37).

How does Mary express submission at the awesome prediction made concerning her? (v. 38).

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Final Thoughts

J. P. Moreland said, “One of the reasons why people are inclined to think that the virgin birth is a myth … is that they already ruled out the possibility of the supernatural … But if there is a God, there is no reason to think it’s a myth, if there’s evidence … and in the virgin birth account, is an account … [that] can be shown to be good historical [evidence].”

Why are assumptions about the supernatural at the center of the controversy surrounding the virgin birth?

In the big picture of God’s supernatural power, why do skeptics single out the virgin birth for denial?

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