Mary (mother of Jesus)

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Maryam (“Mary”); meaning uncertain, commonly linked with “beloved” or “rebellion” in later proposals
• Period/Era: Second Temple Period; Roman Imperial Context
• Main References: Matthew 1–2; Luke 1–2; John 2; John 19; Acts 1
• Key Connections: Jesus; Joseph; Elizabeth and Zechariah; early disciples in Jerusalem

Who was Mary (mother of Jesus)?

Mary was a Jewish woman from Nazareth who became the mother of Jesus through a virginal conception announced by an angel.
She was betrothed to Joseph and is portrayed as receiving God’s message with faith and obedience.
She appears at key moments in Jesus’ early life and later at the crucifixion.
After Jesus’ ascension, she is listed among the believers gathered for prayer in Jerusalem.

Key Events & Achievements

• Announcement and conception: Gabriel announced Jesus’ birth to Mary, and she accepted her role (Luke 1:26–38).
• Birth and early guardianship: She gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem and later fled with the family to Egypt before returning to Nazareth (Matt. 1:18–2:23; Luke 2:1–7).
• Presence with early believers: She is named among those devoted to prayer after the ascension (Acts 1:14).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Mary’s recorded words and actions depict steady discipleship expressed through humble trust in God’s purposes amid public and personal cost.

Key Verse

"And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”" — Luke 1:38, ESV