I've read and heard some very eloquent and well-researched debates about the virgin or "virgin" birth of Jesus. The theological back-and-forth basically revolves around the translation that yields the English word "virgin" in Matthew 1 and Isaiah 7.
Historically we took the word "virgin" to mean VIRGIN. But theologians correctly point out that the original term could also mean simply "young woman," not necessarily a young woman who's never had sex.
This argument continues as though there's no authoritative source that clearly and definitively says whether or not Mary and Joseph had sex before Jesus was conceived.
Oh, wait. There is THE REST OF THE BIBLE.
Matthew 1: 24, 25 says: 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and DID NOT KNOW HER till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. (The New King James Version)
The NIV says, that Joseph did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
The NRSV says, that Joseph had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son;and he named him Jesus.
So if you just keep reading you soon realize that the Bible clearly states that Mary did not have sex until after Jesus was born which means that MARY WAS A VIRIGN WHEN JESUS WAS CONCEIVED.
Now, what was it we were arguing about again?
Riiight.
Nothing.
Historically we took the word "virgin" to mean VIRGIN. But theologians correctly point out that the original term could also mean simply "young woman," not necessarily a young woman who's never had sex.
This argument continues as though there's no authoritative source that clearly and definitively says whether or not Mary and Joseph had sex before Jesus was conceived.
Oh, wait. There is THE REST OF THE BIBLE.
Matthew 1: 24, 25 says: 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and DID NOT KNOW HER till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. (The New King James Version)
The NIV says, that Joseph did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
The NRSV says, that Joseph had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son;and he named him Jesus.
So if you just keep reading you soon realize that the Bible clearly states that Mary did not have sex until after Jesus was born which means that MARY WAS A VIRIGN WHEN JESUS WAS CONCEIVED.
Now, what was it we were arguing about again?
Riiight.
Nothing.
---Anderson
T. Graves II is a writer, community organizer
and consultant for education, ministry, and rural leadership development.
Rev. Anderson T. Graves II is pastor of Hall Memorial CME Church in Montgomery, Alabama, executive director of the
Substance Abuse Youth Networking Organization (SAYNO) and director of rural leadership development for
the National Institute for Human Development (NIHD).
To hear sermons, read devotions, and learn more
about the ministry at Hall Memorial CME Church, visit www.hallmemorialcme.blogspot.com .
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Mail all contributions to :
Hall Memorial CME Church
541 Seibles Road
Montgomery, AL 36116
Mail all contributions to :
Hall Memorial CME Church
541 Seibles Road
Montgomery, AL 36116
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