Luke 1:27
To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
Original Language Analysis
πρὸς
To
G4314
πρὸς
To
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
1 of 16
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
μεμνηστευμένην
espoused
G3423
μεμνηστευμένην
espoused
Strong's:
G3423
Word #:
3 of 16
to give a souvenir (betrothal present), i.e., betroth
ᾧ
whose
G3739
ᾧ
whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
5 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
6 of 16
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
οἴκου
the house
G3624
οἴκου
the house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
9 of 16
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
13 of 16
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 1:18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.Matthew 1:16And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.Matthew 1:23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Historical Context
Jewish betrothal (erusin) lasted typically one year, during which the couple was legally married but not cohabiting. Nazareth was an insignificant Galilean village of perhaps 400 people. The Davidic lineage had been obscured for centuries since the Babylonian exile, yet God preserved it in this carpenter's family.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the virgin birth demonstrate both Christ's true humanity and true deity?
- What does God's choice of Mary from obscure Nazareth teach about how He values the humble and overlooked?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
To a virgin espoused to a man (παρθένον ἐμνηστευμένην ἀνδρί, parthenon emnēsteumenēn andri)—Luke emphasizes Mary's legal betrothal, a binding commitment more serious than modern engagement. The Greek parthenos unambiguously means virgin, fulfilling Isaiah 7:14's prophetic sign.
Of the house of David (ἐξ οἴκου Δαυίδ, ex oikou Dauid)—Joseph's Davidic lineage legally transfers to Jesus, satisfying Messianic requirements (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The virgin's name was Mary (τὸ ὄνομα τῆς παρθένου Μαριάμ, to onoma tēs parthenou Mariam)—her Hebrew name Miriam means 'bitter' or 'rebellious,' yet God chose this humble Nazarene girl for history's supreme honor, demonstrating grace's elevation of the lowly.