King James Version

What Does Luke 1:34 Mean?

Luke 1:34 in the King James Version says “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”

Luke 1:34 · KJV

Context

32

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

34

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

36

And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mary's question 'How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?' demonstrates faith seeking understanding, not Zacharias-like doubt. The present tense 'know not' indicates her current virginity, while her question seeks explanation of method, not possibility. Mary doesn't question whether God can fulfill His word, but how He will accomplish it while preserving her virginity. This shows mature faith that accepts God's promise while seeking to understand His means. Her question invited instruction, not demanded proof, modeling the proper relationship between faith and understanding in Christian epistemology.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mary's question reveals her understanding that she was still a virgin and that normal conception required marital relations. Unlike Zacharias who questioned based on natural impossibility, Mary sought understanding of the divine method, showing faith that God would preserve her integrity while fulfilling His promise.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between faith seeking understanding and doubt demanding proof?
  2. How can we ask questions about God's promises without displaying unbelief?
  3. Why is it appropriate to seek understanding of how God works while trusting that He will?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
εἶπεν1 of 13

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 13

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

Μαριὰμ3 of 13

“Mary”

G3137

maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females

πρὸς4 of 13

“unto”

G4314

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,

τὸν5 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄγγελον6 of 13

“the angel”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

Πῶς7 of 13

“How”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

ἔσται8 of 13

“be”

G2071

will be

τοῦτο9 of 13

“this”

G5124

that thing

ἐπεὶ10 of 13

“seeing”

G1893

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

ἄνδρα11 of 13

“a man”

G435

a man (properly as an individual male)

οὐ12 of 13

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γινώσκω13 of 13

“I know”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 1:34 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 1:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 13:8-12

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