Luke 1:27 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:27 mean?

Luke 1:27 describes how the angel Gabriel was sent to a young woman named Mary, who was a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. The verse highlights both Mary’s purity and her connection to the royal family line through Joseph.

The setting is the opening of Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth, where Gabriel is delivering a message from God. The verse carefully introduces Mary, noting her betrothal to Joseph and his lineage, which is important for Jewish readers because it ties Jesus to the promises made to David’s family. The mention of Mary’s virginity emphasizes the extraordinary nature of what is about to happen.

The Greek behind Luke 1:27

• παρθένον (parthenon, “virgin”): This word means a young woman who has not had sexual relations. Its use here underlines Mary’s purity and sets up the miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception.
• μεμνηστευμένην (memnēsteumenēn, “espoused”): This term refers to being formally betrothed, a binding engagement in Jewish culture that was more serious than modern engagements. It means Mary and Joseph were legally pledged to each other, though not yet living together.
• οἴκου (oikou, “house”): This word means “household” or “family line.” Stating that Joseph is from the “house of David” connects Jesus to the royal lineage, fulfilling Old Testament expectations about the Messiah’s ancestry.

Why Luke 1:27 matters

• Luke 1:27 clarifies that Mary was both a virgin and legally pledged to Joseph, which sets the stage for the miraculous birth narrative and addresses questions about Jesus’ parentage.
• The mention of Joseph’s connection to David’s house signals to readers that Jesus has a rightful place in Israel’s royal line, fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah.
• By introducing Mary by name and emphasizing her status, the verse highlights her importance in the unfolding story and prepares the reader for the angel’s announcement.