Mary Μαρία
Mother of Jesus; wife of Joseph.
Who is Mary in the Bible?
Mary was a young Jewish woman from Nazareth who became the mother of Jesus and wife of Joseph, a descendant of David (Matthew 1:16; Luke 1:27). According to the Gospel accounts, an angel announced to Mary that she would conceive a son by the Holy Spirit, whom she was to name Jesus, and she humbly accepted this divine calling (Luke 1:30, 1:38). Mary remained a virgin at the time of Jesus' conception, fulfilling the messianic prophecy (Matthew 1:18, 1:20). After Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, Mary treasured the events surrounding His arrival, including Simeon's prophecy that a sword would pierce her soul (Luke 2:19, 2:34). Mary's willing obedience to God's plan made her central to the incarnation of Christ and the fulfillment of salvation history.
Biography
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a young Jewish woman from Nazareth betrothed to Joseph, a descendant of David. She was likely a sister of Salome (see Jhn.19.25 and Gosple of Thomas but contra Diatessaron). Before their marriage, an angel appeared to Mary, announcing that she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit and name Him Jesus. Mary humbly accepted this divine plan, and the virgin birth of Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of the Messiah (Mat.1.16, 18, 20; Luk.1.26-38). After Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph presented Him at the temple, where Simeon prophesied that a sword would pierce her soul (Luk.2.5, 16, 19, 34). Mary treasured these events in her heart. She and Joseph raised Jesus in Nazareth, and He was known as the son of Mary (Mat.13.55; Mrk.6.3). During Jesus' crucifixion, Mary stood near the cross with other women, including her sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene (Mat.27.56, 61; Mrk.15.40, 47). After Jesus' resurrection, Mary was among the women who went to the tomb and later informed the disciples (Mat.28.1; Mrk.16.1; Luk.24.10). In the early church, Mary joined the disciples in prayer as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit (Act.1.14).
Family
Parents
Partners
Offspring
- Jesus Tribe of JudahSon of JosephThe Son of God and Savior of the world.View full profile →
- James Tribe of JudahSon of JosephJesus' brother, leader in the Jerusalem churchView full profile →
- Joses Tribe of JudahSon of JosephBrother of Jesus and son of MaryView full profile →
- Simon MaleA tanner in Joppa who hosted Peter.View full profile →
- Jude Tribe of JudahSon of JosephA brother of Jesus and author of the epistleView full profile →
In Scripture
4 biblical books ; 4 with study contentMatthew 5 verses
- Matthew 1:16
"and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ."
Study Matthew → - Matthew 1:18
"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit."
Study Matthew → - Matthew 1:20
"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."
Study Matthew → - Matthew 2:11
"On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh."
Study Matthew → - Matthew 13:55
"“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?"
Study Matthew →
Mark 2 verses
- Mark 6:3
"Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” And they took offense at Him."
Study Mark → - Mark 15:47
"Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where His body was placed."
Study Mark →
Luke 5 verses
- Luke 1:27
"to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary."
Study Luke → - Luke 1:30
"So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God."
Study Luke → - Luke 1:34
"“How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”"
Study Luke → - Luke 1:38
"“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her."
Study Luke → - Luke 1:39
"In those days Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah,"
Study Luke →
Acts 1 verse
- Acts 1:14
"With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers."
Study Acts →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Μαρία | María | Maria or Mariam (i.e. Mirjam), the name of six Christian females |