What does the Bible say about the virgin Mary?

The Bible teaches that Mary was an ordinary person whom God used in an extraordinary way. Luke describes her as “highly favored” (Luke 1:28). This phrase comes from a single Greek word that means "much grace," referring to God's unmerited favor (Ephesians 2:8–9). God graciously chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:31–33). She herself acknowledged God’s grace in her life when she declared, “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:47, emphasis added). Only sinners need a Savior, and Mary knew she was one (Romans 3:23).


Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus (Luke 1:34–38), but the Bible does not teach that she remained a virgin for the rest of her life. Matthew records that Joseph “had no union with her until she gave birth to a son” (Matthew 1:25). Later, Mary gave birth to other children. Matthew names Jesus’ four half-brothers as James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas (Matthew 13:55). He also mentions Jesus’ half-sisters, though they are neither named nor numbered (Matthew 13:55–56). In this way, God continued to show Mary favor, as children are a blessing from God (Psalm 127:3–5).

Some traditions, such as the Roman Catholic Church, elevate Mary above what the Bible describes. In contrast to its doctrine, Jesus taught that Mary should not be honored above other believers. Once, when He was teaching, a woman in the crowd cried out, “Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts at which You nursed” (Luke 11:27, NASB). Jesus’ reply redirected the focus away from His mother: “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (Luke 11:28, NASB). The phrase “on the contrary” suggests that their thinking about Mary’s special status needed correction. Elevating Mary’s nature and character beyond what is biblical dishonors her humility.

Also, contrary to the Catholic Church’s teaching, the Bible never directs praise, glory, or worship toward Mary. Elizabeth called Mary “blessed among women” because she had been chosen to give birth to the Messiah (Luke 1:42–44). Yet Mary’s response was not to accept praise for herself but to glorify God, declaring, “My soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46–55, NASB). Rather than drawing attention to herself, Mary directed all praise to God.

Mary’s response to God’s call reflects humility and obedience. When the angel Gabriel told her that she would give birth to the promised Savior, Mary asked how this could be since she was a virgin (Luke 1:26–37). After Gabriel explained that the child would be conceived by the Holy Spirit, Mary answered, “I am the Lord’s servant…May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Mary’s willingness to trust God and submit to His plan provides an example for all believers to follow.

Mary thoughtfully reflected on God's work in her life. After the shepherds shared what they had been told about the newborn Savior, Luke records that “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Later, when Simeon declared that Jesus was the promised Messiah and foretold the sorrow Mary herself would experience, Joseph and Mary marveled at his words (Luke 2:25–35). Rather than trying to understand everything at once, Mary carefully reflected on God’s unfolding plan and trusted Him through both joy and sorrow.

Mary did not immediately understand everything about Jesus, but she continued to trust God and reflect on His work. When Jesus was twelve years old, He remained behind at the temple while His parents traveled toward Nazareth. After they found Him, Jesus explained that He must be in His Father’s house (Luke 2:41–50). Although Mary did not fully understand His words, Jesus returned home with His parents, and Luke again records that Mary “treasured up all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51). Mary’s example reminds believers to trust God even when they do not fully understand His purposes.

Mary continued to trust Jesus even when she did not fully understand His timing. At the wedding in Cana, she informed Jesus that the wine had run out. Although His initial response seemed to delay her request, Mary told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:1–11). Jesus then performed His first miracle by turning water into wine. Mary’s confidence in Jesus serves as an example of trusting Him and obeying His word.

Even Mary and the rest of Jesus’ family did not always understand His ministry. During His public ministry, His family became concerned and went to take charge of Him because they thought He was “out of his mind” (Mark 3:20–21). When they arrived, Jesus taught that those who do the will of God are His true family (Mark 3:31–35).

Mary remained faithful to Jesus throughout His earthly ministry. She stood near the cross as He was crucified. This fulfilled Simeon’s prophecy that a sword would pierce her soul (John 19:25–27; Luke 2:35). Before His death, Jesus entrusted Mary’s care to the apostle John, who took her into his home (John 19:26–27). Mary was also present with the apostles after Jesus' resurrection. She devoted herself to prayer as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14).

The New Testament does not indicate that Mary had a prominent role in the early church. Following her brief mention with the apostles before Pentecost (Acts 1:14), Scripture says nothing more about her life or ministry. The Bible does not record Mary’s death or describe her ascending into heaven or receiving an exalted position there like the Catholic Church teaches. Although Mary should be honored as the mother of Jesus, Scripture never encourages believers to direct worship, prayer, or devotion to her.

The Bible teaches “there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Mary herself modeled this truth by directing all worship and praise to God. She declared, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46–49). Mary’s words align perfectly with the testimony of Scripture that worship belongs to God alone (Revelation 19:10; 22:9).