Mary Maryam
Virgin mother of Jesus, present from annunciation to resurrection.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
Mary, also called Maryam, is a central figure in the New Testament, introduced as a virgin espoused to Joseph of the house of David (Luke 1:27). She is the mother of Jesus, who is called Christ (Matthew 1:16), and is found to be with child of the Holy Ghost before coming together with Joseph (Matthew 1:18). The angel Gabriel appears to her in Nazareth, announcing she has found favor with God (Luke 1:26, Luke 1:30).
Lore & Background
Mary's role begins with the annunciation, where she responds to the angel with faith, saying, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word' (Luke 1:38). She then visits her cousin Elisabeth, who is filled with the Holy Ghost upon hearing Mary's salutation (Luke 1:41), and Mary responds with a song of praise: 'My soul doth magnify the Lord' (Luke 1:46). She stays with Elisabeth about three months before returning home (Luke 1:56). Mary is present at Jesus' birth, traveling with Joseph to be taxed while great with child (Luke 2:5), and shepherds find her with Joseph and the babe lying in a manger (Luke 2:16). She ponders these events in her heart (Luke 2:19). Later, wise men visit the house and see the young child with Mary his mother, presenting gifts (Matthew 2:11). Mary is also mentioned in Jesus' adult life: people refer to him as 'the carpenter’s son' and 'the son of Mary,' naming his brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3). At the crucifixion, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joses are present (Matthew 27:56, Mark 15:40), and Mary the mother of Joses sees where Jesus is laid (Mark 15:47). After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary come to the sepulchre (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:1), and Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray Mary as a faithful and contemplative figure. She is chosen by God for a unique role, as the angel Gabriel tells her she has found favor with God (Luke 1:30). Her response to the annunciation is one of humble acceptance (Luke 1:38), and she actively participates in the events of Jesus' early life, traveling to Bethlehem (Luke 2:5) and later to Jerusalem (Luke 2:16). She is depicted as a mother who treasures and reflects on the extraordinary circumstances surrounding her son (Luke 2:19). Mary is also part of Jesus' family network, with brothers named (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3), and she is present at key moments of his life, including his birth and the visit of the magi (Matthew 2:11). At the crucifixion and resurrection, multiple women named Mary are mentioned, including Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joses (Matthew 27:56, Mark 15:40), who witness the burial and visit the tomb (Matthew 27:61, Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:1). The passages do not specify whether Mary the mother of Jesus is among these women at the tomb, though she is clearly connected to the events of Jesus' death and burial through the mention of her sons.
Did You Know?
- Mary is called a virgin espoused to Joseph of the house of David (Luke 1:27).
- She is the only person recorded as being told by an angel that she has found favor with God (Luke 1:30).
- Mary's song of praise, 'My soul doth magnify the Lord,' is recorded after Elisabeth's greeting (Luke 1:46).
- Jesus is referred to as 'the son of Mary' in Mark 6:3, a rare phrasing that may imply Joseph was not his biological father.