The Virgin Birth and the Holy Spirit

Matthew 1:18–25

The Bible records several remarkable births: Isaac, born to Sarah when she was ninety years old and barren; Samson, born to Manoah’s formerly barren wife; Samuel, born to Hannah; and John the Baptist, born to Elizabeth. Yet none of these compares to the extraordinary virgin birth of Jesus Christ.

Matthew first presents the biological lineage of Jesus, writing, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows…” (Matthew 1:18b). The word translated “birth” comes from the same Greek term used for genealogy. After establishing Jesus’ human lineage, Matthew then reveals His divine and supernatural origin through the virgin birth.

At the time, Joseph was betrothed to Mary when it was discovered that she was pregnant. Knowing the child was not his, Joseph was understandably troubled. He likely experienced heartbreak and deep anguish at what appeared to be a painful betrayal. However, his character is evident in that he did not want to publicly disgrace Mary or expose her to the severe punishment prescribed for adultery under the Law (Deuteronomy 22:23–25).

To understand Joseph’s dilemma, it is important to understand Jewish betrothal customs. Betrothal was more binding than modern engagement and lasted about one year. During this period, the couple was legally considered married, though they did not live together or engage in sexual relations. If unfaithfulness occurred, the betrothal could only be dissolved through divorce. If all went well, the marriage would be completed in a public ceremony.

While Joseph was considering quietly divorcing Mary (the Greek word apoluo means “to divorce”), an angel appeared to him in a dream. The angel explained that Mary’s pregnancy was the result of the Holy Spirit, not of any immoral act. As one scholar notes, “Mary’s conception was not a divine seduction, but a miraculous conception” (Pope, p. 44).

This miraculous event was not random but a fulfillment of prophecy. Matthew introduces the first of many fulfilled prophecies with the phrase “that it might be fulfilled,” underscoring Jesus’ identity as the promised King-Messiah. He cites Isaiah 7:14, which foretold the virgin birth. This prophecy had a dual fulfillment: initially in the time of King Ahaz as a sign that Judah and the Davidic line would not be destroyed, and ultimately in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ.

Some have questioned whether the Hebrew word almah truly means “virgin.” While almah refers to a young, unmarried woman, the Greek word parthenos more explicitly means “virgin.” The fact that the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) translated almah as parthenos in Isaiah 7:14 shows that ancient translators understood the term to mean a virgin (Pope, pp. 48–49).

Although Scripture tells us little about Joseph’s personality, he is described as a “just” or “righteous” man. His righteousness is demonstrated by his immediate obedience to the angel’s command. Joseph married Mary, protected her, and took responsibility for God’s Son. In doing so, he endured public criticism, accepted false assumptions about premarital relations, refrained from marital intimacy until after Jesus’ birth, and raised a child who was not biologically his own.

Joseph also obeyed the angel’s instruction to name the child “Jesus.” By naming Him, Joseph publicly and legally accepted Jesus as his son. Jesus was also called “Emmanuel,” meaning “God with us.” Through the Incarnation, God literally and physically dwelt among humanity.

Scripture does not support the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary. After Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary had normal marital relations, which Scripture affirms as honorable (Hebrews 13:4). Mary later bore other children (Matthew 12:46; 13:55–56; Mark 6:3).

Jesus was most likely not born on December 25. Based on the timing of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and Zechariah’s priestly service in the temple, Jesus’ birth likely occurred either in September or sometime between mid-March and early May. This timing also aligns with the fact that shepherds were in the fields with their flocks at the time of His birth.

How could God become man? How could a man claim to be God? The virgin birth provides the only adequate answer. Through a supernatural birth brought about by the Holy Spirit, Jesus entered the world in a way that testifies to His divine identity. However, Jesus did not begin to exist at His birth. He is eternal and has always existed (John 1:1–3, 14). The virgin birth did not make Jesus the Son of God; it revealed Him as such.

A common objection to the virgin birth is that it is biologically impossible. C. S. Lewis addressed this criticism by pointing out that even Joseph understood that virgin birth was contrary to nature—which is precisely why it was recognized as a miracle. As Lewis wrote, Joseph’s reaction proves that ancient people were not ignorant of biology; they knew miracles were exceptions to natural law (Miracles, p. 48).

The virgin birth is indeed a miracle—one that cannot be explained by natural laws. Biology itself highlights its uniqueness. Human life normally requires genetic material from both mother and father. Each contributes 23 chromosomes, forming a total of 46. The father’s contribution determines the child’s sex. Since Mary had no human father for Jesus, the Holy Spirit miraculously provided what was necessary, including the Y chromosome, for Jesus to be born male.

Why does belief in the virgin birth matter? First, denying it undermines the trustworthiness of Scripture. If this prophecy is false, why trust any other prophecy about Christ? Second, denying the virgin birth denies the reality of our Savior. If Jesus were merely a man, He could not save humanity. Finally, rejecting this miracle casts doubt on all of Jesus’ miracles. Faith in Christ requires belief in the supernatural events of His life (John 14:11). John explained this well at the end of his Gospel. “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30-31). If anyone does not believe in the virgin birth, how can they possibly believe Jesus is the “Immanuel”, “God with us.”

by Daniel R. Vess