How old was Mary in the Bible? This question has intrigued many Christians and scholars for centuries. The Bible does not explicitly state Mary’s age, but there are several references that can help us make an educated guess.
Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, is a central figure in Christian theology and the New Testament. She is often depicted as a young, virginal woman who was chosen by God to bear the Son of God. The New Testament mentions Mary several times, but her age is not explicitly mentioned in any of these passages.
One of the most significant references to Mary’s age comes from the Gospel of Luke. In Luke 1:26-38, the angel Gabriel appears to Mary and informs her that she will conceive and bear a son. The angel says, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you. You who are highly favored, the Lord is with you.” Mary responds with awe and asks, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” Gabriel then explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, and she will conceive a son who will be called Jesus.
In the Greek text of the New Testament, the word “parthenos” is used to describe Mary as a virgin. This word can also mean “young woman,” which has led some scholars to believe that Mary was a young girl at the time of her conception. However, the exact age of Mary is still a matter of debate.
Another reference to Mary’s age comes from the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 1:18-25, the genealogy of Jesus is traced back to Abraham. The genealogy includes a list of names, including Mary’s. However, the New Testament does not provide any information about Mary’s age during her lifetime.
Some scholars have attempted to estimate Mary’s age based on historical and cultural context. They suggest that Mary may have been around 12 to 14 years old when she became pregnant with Jesus. This age range is based on the assumption that Mary was a young girl at the time of her conception and that the term “virgin” in the New Testament can be interpreted as “young woman.”
In conclusion, while the Bible does not explicitly state how old Mary was at the time of Jesus’ conception, scholars and Christians have made educated guesses based on the text and historical context. The consensus seems to be that Mary was likely a young girl, around 12 to 14 years old, when she was chosen by God to bear the Son of God.
