Mary
femaleNew TestamentMeaning: “Beloved; rebellion; perhaps "exalted"”
The virgin mother of Jesus, a young woman of Nazareth who responded to God’s call with humble faith and is called "blessed among women."
Biography
Mary of Nazareth is the mother of Jesus and one of the most honored women in Scripture. A young virgin betrothed to Joseph, she was chosen by God to bear the Messiah, and she answered with surrendered faith.
The annunciation
The angel Gabriel greeted her, "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee" (Luke 1:28), and announced she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear the Son of God. Mary's response models faith: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38).
The Magnificat
Visiting her cousin Elisabeth, Mary sang a great hymn of praise, the Magnificat: "My soul doth magnify the Lord… for he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden" (Luke 1:46–48). It reveals a heart steeped in Scripture and devoted to God.
Mother and disciple
Mary bore Jesus in Bethlehem, presented Him in the temple, fled to Egypt, and raised Him in Nazareth — "Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). She prompted His first miracle at Cana (John 2:1–11) and stood at the cross, where Jesus entrusted her to the apostle John (John 19:26–27). After the resurrection she was among the believers gathered in prayer awaiting the Spirit (Acts 1:14).
Life Timeline
Visited by Gabriel and told she will bear the Messiah
Gives birth to Jesus in Bethlehem
Stands at the cross; entrusted to the apostle John
Prays with the believers awaiting the Holy Spirit
On the Bible timeline
Mary belongs to the The Intertestamental Period era (c. 430 – 6 BC).
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Mary
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Mary appears.
People they appear with
Things in their story
Scripture Appearances
8 verses in 3 booksLuke5 verses
Luke 1:28
And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. highly: or, graciously accepted, or, of much grace
Luke 1:38
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:46
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
Luke 2:7
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:19
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
John2 verses
John 2:5
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
John 19:26
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
Acts1 verse
Acts 1:14
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Frequently asked about Mary
Who was Mary in the Bible?
The virgin mother of Jesus, a young woman of Nazareth who responded to God’s call with humble faith and is called "blessed among women."
What does the name Mary mean?
The name Mary means “Beloved; rebellion; perhaps "exalted"”.
What did Mary do in the Bible?
Mary served as mother, of the tribe of Judah.
Who were Mary's children?
Mary's children include Jesus, James, Joses, Judas, Simon.
Where does Mary appear in the Bible?
Mary is mentioned 8 times across 3 books: Luke, John, Acts.
What can we learn from Mary?
The story of Mary touches on themes of elizabeth, cana, gabriel, house — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Mary's life.
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