Virginal conception: Mary, mother of Jesus, without the intervention of a man.
Virginal conception: Mary, mother of Jesus, without the intervention of a man
The virginal conception of Jesus is the belief that Mary conceived Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, without the intervention of a man. This truth is part of the Apostles’ Creed (“he was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary”) and is distinct from, though related to, the dogma of perpetual virginity.
Biblical foundation
Matthew (1:18-25) and Luke (1:26-38) independently affirm the virginal conception. Matthew cites Isaiah 7:14 (“the young woman shall conceive”) as prophetic fulfillment. Luke recounts Mary’s dialogue with the Angel: “How can this be, since I do not know man?” The Angel answers: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you.”
Theological meaning
The virginal conception is not an isolated biological fact: it has a fundamental Christological function. It manifests that Jesus is the Son of God, not merely an exceptional man. The absence of a human father points to the divine fatherhood. At the same time, birth from a real woman underscores the true humanity of Jesus.
Relation to the Immaculate Conception
It is important to distinguish two concepts that are frequently confused: the virginal conception of Jesus (Jesus was conceived without a human father) and the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary (Mary was conceived without original sin). They are distinct truths, though related: the second prepares Mary to be a worthy mother of the Son of God conceived virginally.
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Magisterium of the Church
Ecce virgo concipiet et pariet filium, et vocabitur nomen eius Emmanuel, quod interpretatur Nobiscum Deus.
Isaias 7,14. Cf. Matthaeus 1,23 (Vulgata)
📚 Literal translation: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, who will be called Emmanuel, which is interpreted: God with us.
Quod enim in ea natum est de Spiritu Sancto est.
Matthaeus 1,20 (Vulgata Clementina)
📚 Literal translation: That which is begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit.
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