Hard passagesDraft · awaiting advisor review
Does Isaiah 7:14 really say “virgin”?
In short
The Hebrew word almah means a young woman of marriageable age, and it isn’t used in the Old Testament of a woman known to be married. Jewish translators before Christ rendered it with the Greek word for virgin. Christians differ on whether the sign had a first fulfilment in Isaiah’s day before its fuller fulfilment in Jesus.
The Objection
Isaiah 7:14 uses almah, “young woman”, not betulah, “virgin”. The sign was given to King Ahaz about a child to be born in his own time, so Matthew took the verse out of context to support a story of a virgin birth.
Put as its strongest advocates would put it.
The Christian Case
- Scripture
Matthew quotes the verse as fulfilled in Jesus’ birth, and Luke independently reports Mary’s question, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
- Historical evidence
The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures made by Jews in the centuries before Christ, translated almah here with parthenos, the usual Greek word for a virgin.
- Scripture
In Isaiah the child is called “Immanuel”, God with us, and the promises continue with a child who is called “Mighty God”, words that go beyond any ordinary prince.
- Historical evidence
Muslims also believe Jesus was born of a virgin (Qur’an 19:16–22), so with Muslim friends this is common ground.
- Christians differ
Christians differ on whether Isaiah 7:14 had a first fulfilment in a child born in Ahaz’s day, with Jesus as the greater fulfilment, or points directly and only to Jesus.
Where the Evidence Is Weaker
Almah by itself doesn’t prove virginity; the case rests on its usage, the Septuagint, and the wider context of Isaiah 7–9. The virgin birth is a miracle and can’t be shown historically, only reported by the sources.
Arguments to Avoid
- Claiming almah always and only means “virgin”.
- Mocking Jewish readers who understand the verse differently.
Read for Yourself
Isaiah 7:10–16
10Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying, 11Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. 12But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. 13And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? 14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. 16For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.
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. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 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. 21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall 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, 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. 24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Further Reading
- The Birth of the Messiah · Raymond E. Brown (1977)
- The Virgin Birth of Christ · J. Gresham Machen (1930)
Drafted with Opened AI and awaiting review by Opened’s apologetics advisors. Labels show the kind of support each point has: Scripture is what the Bible says; historical evidence and philosophical arguments can be checked by anyone; “Christians differ” marks questions on which faithful Christians disagree.
Next QuestionWhy do Matthew and Luke give different genealogies of Jesus?