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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Luke 1:34 "How can this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/luke/1-34.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/42_Luk_01_34.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Luke 1:34 - Gabriel Foretells Jesus' Birth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="How can this be, Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/luke/1-34.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/luke/1-34.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/luke/">Luke</a> > <a href="/luke/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 34</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/luke/1-33.htm" title="Luke 1:33">◄</a> Luke 1:34 <a href="/luke/1-35.htm" title="Luke 1:35">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/luke/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220How will this be,&#8221 Mary asked the angel, &#8220since I am a virgin?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/luke/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/luke/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I do not know a man?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/luke/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/luke/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/luke/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/luke/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Mary said to the angel, &#8220How can this be, since I am a virgin?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/luke/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/luke/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/luke/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin <i>and</i> have no intimacy with any man?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/luke/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/luke/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Mary asked the angel, &#8220How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/luke/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/luke/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Mary asked the angel, "How can this happen? I am not even married!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/luke/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/luke/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Mary asked the angel, "How can this be? I've never had sexual intercourse."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/luke/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Mary said to the angel, "I am a virgin. How, then, can this be?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/luke/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Mary asked the angel, "How can this happen, since I have not had relations with a man?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/luke/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?How can this be,? Mary asked the angel, ?since I am a virgin??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/luke/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/luke/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/luke/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then said Mary to the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"How can this be," Mary replied, "seeing that I have no husband?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/luke/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/luke/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Mary said to the messenger, “How will this be, seeing I do not know a husband?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/luke/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I do not know a man?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/luke/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Mary said unto the messenger, 'How shall this be, seeing a husband I do not know?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/luke/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Mary said to the messenger, How shall this be, since I know not man?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/luke/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/luke/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then Mary said to the Angel, “How shall this be done, since I do not know man?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/luke/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/luke/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/luke/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Mary said to the angel, How can this be, for no man has known me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/luke/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Maryam said to the Angel, “How will this be, for no man has known me?”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/luke/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But Mary said to the angel: How shall this be, since I know not a man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/luke/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />And Mary said to the angel; How shall this be, since I know not man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/luke/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And Mary said, How shall this be, seeing I know not man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/luke/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Then said Mary to the angel, what shall this be without any intercourse with man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/luke/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"How can this be," Mary replied, "seeing that I have no husband?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/luke/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I know not a man?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/luke/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Then said Mary to the angel, How can this be, since I am a virgin?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/luke/1-34.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3-5_0Jtd9Lc?start=281" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/luke/1.htm">Gabriel Foretells Jesus' Birth</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">33</span>and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!” <span class="reftext">34</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">“</a> <a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: Pōs (Adv) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!">How</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-NNS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estai (V-FIM-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">can this be,”</a> <a href="/greek/3137.htm" title="3137: Mariam (N-NFS) -- Or Mariam of Hebrew origin; Maria or Mariam, the name of six Christian females.">Mary</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: Eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">asked</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/32.htm" title="32: angelon (N-AMS) -- From aggello; a messenger; especially an angel; by implication, a pastor.">angel,</a> <a href="/greek/1893.htm" title="1893: epei (Conj) -- Of time: when, after; of cause: since, because; otherwise: else. From epi and ei; thereupon, i.e. Since.">“since</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: ginōskō (V-PIA-1S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">I am a virgin?”</a> <a href="/greek/435.htm" title="435: andra (N-AMS) -- A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man."></a> </span> <span class="reftext">35</span>The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/1-18.htm">Matthew 1:18-25</a></span><br />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. / Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly. / But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10-14</a></span><br />Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. / And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. / So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/13-3.htm">Judges 13:3-5</a></span><br />The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “It is true that you are barren and have no children; but you will conceive and give birth to a son. / Now please be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and not to eat anything unclean. / For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And no razor shall touch his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/17-15.htm">Genesis 17:15-19</a></span><br />Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name is to be Sarah. / And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.” / Abraham fell facedown. Then he laughed and said to himself, “Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-19.htm">1 Samuel 1:19-20</a></span><br />The next morning they got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then they returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. / So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-13.htm">John 1:13</a></span><br />children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-4.htm">Galatians 4:4</a></span><br />But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-8.htm">Romans 9:8-9</a></span><br />So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. / For this is what the promise stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11</a></span><br />By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Genesis 21:1-2</a></span><br />Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. / So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-14.htm">2 Kings 4:14-17</a></span><br />So he asked, “Then what should be done for her?” “Well, she has no son,” Gehazi replied, “and her husband is old.” / “Call her,” said Elisha. So Gehazi called her, and she stood in the doorway. / And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-26.htm">Matthew 19:26</a></span><br />Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-22.htm">Jeremiah 31:22</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/113-9.htm">Psalm 113:9</a></span><br />He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then said Mary to the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/13-8.htm">Judges 13:8-12</a></b></br> Then Manoah intreated the LORD, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/9-6.htm">Acts 9:6</a></b></br> And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord <i>said</i> unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/1-30.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/mark/10-12.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/luke/1-30.htm">Mary</a> <a href="/luke/1-30.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/luke/1-27.htm">Virgin</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/1-35.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/luke/2-36.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/luke/1-38.htm">Mary</a> <a href="/luke/1-35.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/acts/21-9.htm">Virgin</a><div class="vheading2">Luke 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-1.htm">The preface of Luke to his whole gospel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-5.htm">The conception of John the Baptist;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-26.htm">and of Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-39.htm">The prophecy of Elisabeth and of Mary, concerning Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">57. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-57.htm">The nativity and circumcision of John.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">67. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-67.htm">The prophecy of Zachariah, both of Jesus,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">76. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/luke/1-76.htm">and of John.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/luke/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/luke/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“How can this be,”</b><br>Mary's question reflects a natural human response to an extraordinary announcement. In biblical context, this moment occurs during the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel informs Mary of her role in the divine plan. Her question is not one of doubt but of wonder and curiosity, seeking understanding of God's miraculous work. This mirrors other biblical figures who questioned divine messages, such as Zechariah earlier in the same chapter, though his response was met with a different reaction due to his doubt.<p><b>Mary asked the angel,</b><br>Mary's interaction with the angel Gabriel is significant, as angels often served as messengers of God in the Bible. Gabriel's appearance to Mary in Nazareth, a small town in Galilee, highlights the humble circumstances of Jesus' earthly beginnings. This encounter emphasizes the personal nature of God's communication with His people, choosing a young woman of humble status to bear the Messiah. The angelic visitation also connects to other biblical instances where angels delivered important messages, such as to Daniel in the Old Testament.<p><b>“since I am a virgin?”</b><br>Mary's statement underscores the miraculous nature of Jesus' conception. The term "virgin" is crucial, as it fulfills the prophecy found in <a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a>, which speaks of a virgin conceiving and bearing a son named Immanuel. This virgin birth is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, affirming the divine nature of Jesus Christ. Culturally, Mary's virginity would have been significant, as it preserved her honor and purity in a society that valued these traits. Theologically, it points to the supernatural intervention of God, setting the stage for the incarnation of Christ, who is both fully God and fully man.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/mary.htm">Mary</a></b><br>A young Jewish woman, betrothed to Joseph, chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. Her response to the angel Gabriel shows her humility and faith.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/angel_gabriel.htm">Angel Gabriel</a></b><br>A messenger of God who appears to Mary to announce the miraculous conception of Jesus. Gabriel is known for delivering important messages from God, as seen in other biblical accounts.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/n/nazareth.htm">Nazareth</a></b><br>The town in Galilee where Mary lived. It is significant as the humble setting for the announcement of Jesus' birth.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_annunciation.htm">The Annunciation</a></b><br>The event where the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit. This marks the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise of a Savior.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_the_impossible.htm">Faith in the Impossible</a></b><br>Mary's question reflects a natural human curiosity and wonder at God's miraculous work. Her faith, despite her initial question, is a model for trusting God in seemingly impossible situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The virgin birth underscores God's control over creation and His ability to intervene supernaturally. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over their lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/purity_and_obedience.htm">Purity and Obedience</a></b><br>Mary's status as a virgin highlights the importance of purity and obedience to God's will. Christians are called to live lives that honor God, trusting in His plans.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_purpose.htm">Divine Purpose</a></b><br>Mary's role in God's plan shows that God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Believers should be open to God's calling, regardless of their perceived status or ability.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_luke_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Luke 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_thomas_jefferson_bible.htm">What is the Thomas Jefferson Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_annunciation.htm">What is the Annunciation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_a_virgin_conceive_a_child.htm">Matthew 1:18 – How can a virgin conceive a child biologically without a human father? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_sparkle_creed_express.htm">What beliefs does The Sparkle Creed express?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/luke/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(34) <span class= "bld">How shall this be?</span>--The question of the Virgin is not altogether of the same nature as that of Zacharias in <a href="/luke/1-18.htm" title="And Zacharias said to the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.">Luke 1:18</a>. He asks by what sign he shall know that the words were true which told him of a son in his old age. Mary is told of a far greater marvel, for her question shows that she understood the angel to speak of the birth as antecedent to her marriage, and she, accepting the words in faith, does not demand a sign, but reverently seeks to know the manner of their accomplishment.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/luke/1-34.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">“How</span><br /><span class="grk">Πῶς</span> <span class="translit">(Pōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> </span><span class="str2">Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can this be,”</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔσται</span> <span class="translit">(estai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Mary</span><br /><span class="grk">Μαριὰμ</span> <span class="translit">(Mariam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3137.htm">Strong's 3137: </a> </span><span class="str2">Or Mariam of Hebrew origin; Maria or Mariam, the name of six Christian females.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">asked</span><br /><span class="grk">Εἶπεν</span> <span class="translit">(Eipen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὸν</span> <span class="translit">(ton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">angel,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄγγελον</span> <span class="translit">(angelon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_32.htm">Strong's 32: </a> </span><span class="str2">From aggello; a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“since</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπεὶ</span> <span class="translit">(epei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1893.htm">Strong's 1893: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of time: when, after; of cause: since, because; otherwise: else. From epi and ei; thereupon, i.e. Since.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I am a virgin?”</span><br /><span class="grk">γινώσκω</span> <span class="translit">(ginōskō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/luke/1-34.htm">Luke 1:34 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/luke/1-34.htm">Luke 1:34 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/luke/1-34.htm">Luke 1:34 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/luke/1-34.htm">Luke 1:34 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/luke/1-34.htm">Luke 1:34 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/luke/1-34.htm">Luke 1:34 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/luke/1-34.htm">Luke 1:34 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/luke/1-34.htm">Luke 1:34 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/luke/1-34.htm">Luke 1:34 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/luke/1-34.htm">Luke 1:34 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/luke/1-34.htm">NT Gospels: Luke 1:34 Mary said to the angel How can (Luke Lu Lk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/luke/1-33.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Luke 1:33"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Luke 1:33" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/luke/1-35.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Luke 1:35"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Luke 1:35" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>