The term "Virgin" in the context of the Bible refers specifically to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. According to Christian doctrine, Mary was a young woman of Nazareth who conceived Jesus while remaining a virgin, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel."

Biblical Account:

The New Testament provides the primary accounts of Mary's virginity and the miraculous conception of Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, the angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, affirming Mary's purity and divine pregnancy: "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'" (Matthew 1:20).

Similarly, the Gospel of Luke details the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel visits Mary to announce that she will bear the Son of God. Mary questions how this will occur, given her virginity: "Mary asked the angel, 'How can this be, since I am a virgin?' 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'" (Luke 1:34-35).

Theological Significance:

The virgin birth is a cornerstone of Christian theology, emphasizing the divine nature of Jesus Christ. It underscores the belief that Jesus was both fully God and fully man, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of a woman. This miraculous event signifies the intervention of God in human history and the beginning of the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

The virgin birth also highlights the purity and obedience of Mary, who is often revered for her faith and submission to God's will. Her response to Gabriel, "I am the Lord's servant. May it happen to me as you have said" (Luke 1:38), exemplifies her humility and willingness to participate in God's divine plan.

Prophetic Fulfillment:

The virgin birth fulfills Old Testament prophecies, particularly Isaiah 7:14, which is interpreted by Christians as a messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ. The use of the term "Immanuel," meaning "God with us," further emphasizes the incarnation of God in the person of Jesus.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the cultural context of first-century Judea, the concept of a virgin birth was extraordinary and unprecedented. Jewish customs and laws placed significant emphasis on purity and marital fidelity, making Mary's situation socially challenging. Joseph's decision to marry Mary despite her pregnancy, following divine reassurance, reflects his righteousness and faith.

Doctrinal Implications:

The doctrine of the virgin birth is affirmed in the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed, foundational statements of Christian belief. It is a doctrine that has been upheld by the majority of Christian denominations throughout history, serving as a testament to the miraculous and divine nature of Jesus Christ's entrance into the world.

Conclusion:

The virgin birth of Jesus, as recounted in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, remains a profound mystery and a central tenet of Christian faith. It signifies the miraculous intervention of God in the world and the beginning of the fulfillment of His promise of salvation through Jesus Christ.Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Nave's Topical Index

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.
Nave's Topical Index

That the Most Sacred virgin Mother of God Died of Love for Her Son ...
... S. Paul lived not in himself, but Jesus Christ lived ... how much more really had the
sacred virgin and her ... one life, so that this heavenly mother, living, lived ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xiii that the most.htm

Whether Christ's Mother Remained a virgin after his Birth?
... it is written (Jn.19:25) that "there stood by the cross of Jesus, Mary His Mother."
Therefore it seems that Christ's Mother did not remain a virgin after His ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs mother remained a.htm

Whether the Blessed virgin Should be Called the Mother of God?
... it expressly said in Scripture that "Jesus Christ is true God," as may be seen
1:Jn.5:20, and that the Blessed Virgin is the "Mother of Jesus Christ," which is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the blessed virgin should.htm

Proof that the virgin Mother of God was not Only Christotocos but ...
... And so you say, O heretic, whoever you may be, who deny that God was born of the
Virgin, that Mary the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ ought not to be called ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter ii proof that the.htm

The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple
... Thus it was, that every event connected with the Messianic manifestation of Jesus
would come to the Virgin-Mother as a fresh discovery and a new surprise. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii the purification of.htm

The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ...
... a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He ... and went and took the breast from
His mother Mary ... have a strange sight to relate to thee: a virgin has brought ...
/.../unknown/the protevangelium of james/the birth of mary the.htm

Jesus, Ever-Loving Saviour
... 3. Mary, thou canst not forsake me, Virgin mother undefiled; Thou didst
not abandon Jesus Dying, tortued and reviled. Jesus! Jesus! ...
/.../no 135 jesus ever-loving saviour.htm

The Nativity of Jesus the Messiah.
... this twofold object: that those who read them might believe that Jesus is the ... This
only is told, that then and there the Virgin-Mother brought forth her first ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi the nativity of.htm

The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ...
... The highest duty towards the Virgin-Mother and the unborn Jesus demanded an immediate
marriage, which would afford not only outward, but moral protection to ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the annunciation of.htm

The Christ of the Demiurge, Sent into the World by the virgin not ...
... The Christ of the Demiurge, Sent into the World by the Virgin Not of Her. He Found
in Her, Not a Mother, But Only a Passage or Channel. Jesus Descended Upon ...
/.../tertullian/against the valentinians/chapter xxvii the christ of the.htm

How accurate was the virginity test mentioned in Deuteronomy 22? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the Lady of Guadalupe? Were the apparitions of Mary at Guadalupe real? | GotQuestions.org

Why wasn't Jesus named Immanuel? | GotQuestions.org

Virgin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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