Luke 1:34

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Luke 1:34 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
Luke 1:34 — American Standard Version

Context — Luke 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
34And Mary said unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then said Mary to the angel, how shall this be, etc.] This she said not as doubting the truth of what was said; for she required no sign, as Zacharias did; nor is she charged with, and blamed for unbelief, as he was; yea, it is expressly said, (<420145>Luke 1:45) that she believed: nor was this a curious question, as whether she should have this son by a man in a married state, or in her present virgin state; for she clearly understood the angel to mean the latter; and therefore her words express her admiration at it, and also her desire to be informed of the manner how it should be: as to the matter of fact, she did not dispute it, but wanted to be resolved by what means it would be brought…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“How, &c.--not the unbelief of Zacharias, "Whereby shall I know this?" but, taking the fact for granted, "How is it to be, so contrary to the unbroken law of human birth?" Instead of reproof, therefore, her question is answered in mysterious detail.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Jdg 13:8-12; Act 9:6 Luke 1:35”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification