Luke 1:27
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to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Luke 1:1 (Luk 1:1-4) set forth in order--more simply, to draw up a narrative.
Open source ↗The narrative which this evangelist gives us (or rather God by him) of the life of Christ begins earlier than either Matthew or Mark. We have reason to thank God for them all, as we have for all the gifts and graces of Christ's ministers, which in one make up what is wanting in the other, while all put together make a harmony. In this chapter we have, I. Luke's preface to his gospel, or his epistle dedicatory to his friend Theophilus (Luk 1:1-4). II. The prophecy and history of the conception of John Baptist, who was Christ's forerunner (v. 5-25). The annunciation of the virgin Mary, or the notice given to her that she should be the mother of the Messiah (Luk 1:26-38). IV. The interview between Mary the mother of Jesus and Elisabeth the mother of John, when they were both with child of those pregnant births, and the prophecies they both uttered upon that occasion (v. 39-56). V. The birth and circumcision of John Baptist, six months before the birth of Christ (Luk 1:57-66). VI. Zacharias's song of praise, in thankfulness for the birth of John, and in prospect of the birth of Jesus (Luk 1:67-79). VII. A short account of John Baptist's infancy (Luk 1:80). And these do more than give us an entertaining narrative; they will lead us into the understanding of the mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh.
Open source ↗1:27 engaged to be married: In Jewish culture, marriages were arranged, and engagement was a formal legal contract between two families. Girls were normally married by their mid-teens. • Joseph, a descendant of King David: See Matt 1:1-16. Joseph’s ancestry is significant because the Messiah was to be a descendant of King David (2 Sam 7:11-16; Isa 9:7).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.
“Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”).
and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
How long will you wander, O faithless daughter? For the LORD has created a new thing in the land— a woman will shelter a man.”