Luke 1:34
What does Luke 1:34 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 1:34 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 1:34 means
Mary questions the angel practically: she is a virgin and betrothed, so she asks how conception can happen. This is a straightforward, honest inquiry, not skepticism. Her question reflects social reality and shows her awareness of moral and legal constraints. It opens the way for the angel to explain the supernatural means—the Holy Spirit—affirming the miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception and preserving Mary’s virginity while establishing the divine origin of Jesus.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Mary said to the angel, How may this be, because I have had no knowledge of a man?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Mary said unto the messenger, `How shall this be, seeing a husband I do not know?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But Mary said to the angel, How shall this be, since I know not a man?
Context
Mary’s question follows the majestic claims about Jesus’ identity and reign. It brings the extraordinary back to human terms: how will this occur? The angel’s explanation that follows addresses both the means and the significance, emphasizing divine action rather than human agency.
v.33and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
v.34This passage
v.35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: wherefore also the holy thing which is begotten shall be called the Son of God.
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