This verse from Luke 1:27 provides crucial context for the story of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel visits Mary. Let's break down what it means:
"to a virgin...": This establishes Mary's sexual purity. In the context of the time, this was extremely important for her reputation and social standing, especially within a community that highly valued lineage and offspring. It also sets the stage for the miraculous conception.
"...pledged to be married...": Mary was betrothed, or engaged, to Joseph. In Jewish custom, betrothal was a legally binding commitment, more serious than a modern engagement. Breaking a betrothal required a formal divorce. This meant she was committed to Joseph, but not yet living with him or in a consummated marriage.
"...to a man whose name was Joseph...": This identifies the man Mary was betrothed to. Knowing his name helps distinguish him and provides a specific point of reference.
"...of David's house...": This indicates Joseph's lineage. He was a descendant of King David, a significant figure in Jewish history. This is important because Jewish prophecies foretold that the Messiah would be a descendant of David. Though Joseph wasn't the biological father of Jesus, his lineage provided a legal connection to the Davidic line.
"The virgin's name was Mary.": This clearly identifies the specific woman the angel is sent to - Mary. It introduces her to the reader and centers the narrative around her.
In summary, Luke 1:27 establishes the following key points about Mary:
She was a virgin.
She was engaged to Joseph.
Joseph was from the lineage of David.
Her name was Mary.
This sets the stage for the extraordinary encounter with the angel Gabriel and the announcement of the impending birth of Jesus. The verse highlights the miracle to come (virgin birth) and also provides important connections to Jewish tradition and prophecy (Davidic lineage).
This verse from Luke 1:27 provides crucial context for the story of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel visits Mary. Let's break down what it means:
"to a virgin...": This establishes Mary's sexual purity. In the context of the time, this was extremely important for her reputation and social standing, especially within a community that highly valued lineage and offspring. It also sets the stage for the miraculous conception.
"...pledged to be married...": Mary was betrothed, or engaged, to Joseph. In Jewish custom, betrothal was a legally binding commitment, more serious than a modern engagement. Breaking a betrothal required a formal divorce. This meant she was committed to Joseph, but not yet living with him or in a consummated marriage.
"...to a man whose name was Joseph...": This identifies the man Mary was betrothed to. Knowing his name helps distinguish him and provides a specific point of reference.
"...of David's house...": This indicates Joseph's lineage. He was a descendant of King David, a significant figure in Jewish history. This is important because Jewish prophecies foretold that the Messiah would be a descendant of David. Though Joseph wasn't the biological father of Jesus, his lineage provided a legal connection to the Davidic line.
"The virgin's name was Mary.": This clearly identifies the specific woman the angel is sent to - Mary. It introduces her to the reader and centers the narrative around her.
In summary, Luke 1:27 establishes the following key points about Mary:
She was a virgin.
She was engaged to Joseph.
Joseph was from the lineage of David.
Her name was Mary.
This sets the stage for the extraordinary encounter with the angel Gabriel and the announcement of the impending birth of Jesus. The verse highlights the miracle to come (virgin birth) and also provides important connections to Jewish tradition and prophecy (Davidic lineage).