Q: The word "virgin" in Isaiah 7:14 is the Hebrew word "almah" meaning, "a young woman" — in other words, a "young woman" who may or may not be a virgin. Does this mean that Mary may or may not have been a virgin when she gave birth to Christ Jesus?
A: It's true the Hebrew word almah simply means a "damsel" or a "maiden," who may or may not be a virgin. However, almah can refer to a young woman who is a virgin, like in the case of Rebekah (Gen 24:43-45). Interestingly, the Holy Spirit does not leave the matter open for debate regarding Mary. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Matthew directly quotes Isaiah and, in doing so, uses the Greek word parthenos. This term is solely used of a woman who has never known a man.
“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN [Gr. parthenos] SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US” (Matt 1:23).
The purpose of the miraculous conception and virgin birth of Christ was to show that He was not stained with Adam's sin. As Paul says, "He knew no sin" (2 Cor 5:21). Christ was an empty vessel when it came to sin. This allowed the Father to pour our sins into His dear Son at Calvary, where He was made "sin for us." It is essentially a matter of faith! If Christ wasn't born of a virgin, then we are still in our sins. (Sadler)
A: It's true the Hebrew word almah simply means a "damsel" or a "maiden," who may or may not be a virgin. However, almah can refer to a young woman who is a virgin, like in the case of Rebekah (Gen 24:43-45). Interestingly, the Holy Spirit does not leave the matter open for debate regarding Mary. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Matthew directly quotes Isaiah and, in doing so, uses the Greek word parthenos. This term is solely used of a woman who has never known a man.
“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN [Gr. parthenos] SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US” (Matt 1:23).
The purpose of the miraculous conception and virgin birth of Christ was to show that He was not stained with Adam's sin. As Paul says, "He knew no sin" (2 Cor 5:21). Christ was an empty vessel when it came to sin. This allowed the Father to pour our sins into His dear Son at Calvary, where He was made "sin for us." It is essentially a matter of faith! If Christ wasn't born of a virgin, then we are still in our sins. (Sadler)
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