Mary, mother of Jesus

Mary, mother of Jesus: Mary was a virgin of Nazareth, espoused to Joseph, who conceived Jesus by the Holy Ghost and gave birth to him in Bethlehem. The Gospels and Acts record her at Jesus' birth and childhood, during his ministry, at the cross, and among the disciples after his ascension.

The angel's announcement

• Luke 1:26-38
  ²⁶And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, ²⁷To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.The angel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” ²⁹And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. ³⁰And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. ³²He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, ³³And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!” ³⁴Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?“How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” ³⁵And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. ³⁶And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.Look, even Elizabeth your relative has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is in her sixth month. ³⁷For with God nothing shall be impossible.For no word from God will ever fail.” ³⁸And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.
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Visit to Elisabeth

• Luke 1:39-45
  ³⁹And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;In those days Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah, ⁴⁰And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.where she entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴²And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.In a loud voice she exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! ⁴³And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.For as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord’s word to her will be fulfilled.”
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• Luke 1:46-55
  ⁴⁶And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, ⁴⁷And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! ⁴⁸For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. ⁴⁹For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.For the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is His name. ⁵⁰And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation. ⁵¹He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts. ⁵²He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble. ⁵³He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. ⁵⁴He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful, ⁵⁵As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.as He promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.”
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Birth of Jesus

• Matthew 1:18-25
  ¹⁸Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly. ²⁰But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” ²²Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ²³Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.“Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”). ²⁴Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and embraced Mary as his wife. ²⁵And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.
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• Luke 2:4-7
  ⁴And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. ⁵To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. ⁶And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. ⁷And 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.And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
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• Luke 2:16-19
  ¹⁶And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him. ¹⁸And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
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Jesus' childhood

• Luke 2:22
  And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
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• Luke 2:34-35
  ³⁴And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, ³⁵(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed— and a sword will pierce your soul as well.”
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• Luke 2:41-51
  ⁴¹Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. ⁴²And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the Feast. ⁴³And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.When those days were over and they were returning home, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but His parents were unaware He had stayed. ⁴⁴But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.Assuming He was in their company, they traveled on for a day before they began to look for Him among their relatives and friends. ⁴⁵And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.When they could not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him. ⁴⁶And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.Finally, after three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers. ⁴⁸And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. “Child, why have You done this to us?” His mother asked. “Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.” ⁴⁹And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?“Why were you looking for Me?” He asked. “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” ⁵⁰And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.But they did not understand the statement He was making to them. ⁵¹And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
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During Jesus' ministry

• John 2:1-5
  ¹And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, ²And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. ³And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” ⁴Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.“Woman, why does this concern us?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” ⁵His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”
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• Mark 3:31-35
  ³¹There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came and stood outside. They sent someone in to summon Him, ³²And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.and a crowd was sitting around Him. “Look,” He was told, “Your mother and brothers are outside, asking for You.” ³³And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?But Jesus replied, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” ³⁴And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!Looking at those seated in a circle around Him, He said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! ³⁵For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.For whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.”
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• Matthew 13:55
  Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?
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At the cross and after

• John 19:25-27
  ²⁵Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” ²⁷Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home.
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• 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.With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
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See also

• Birth of Jesus
• Jesus Christ
• Mothers
• Crucifixion of Jesus

Notes

1. Verses are quoted in the translation chosen in the Translation menu at the top of the page. See Translations for sources and copyright notices.
2. Each reference links to the full chapter so the verse can be read in context.