Families of Jesu · Women of the Bible · New Testament
The Story of Mary, mother of Jesus
The mother of Jesus. Not Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany or the other Marys of the Gospels.
Also: Mary, Mariamu (Kiswahili, Gĩkũyũ)
Young woman of Nazareth who bore Jesus and followed him to the cross.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Mary, a virgin of Nazareth engaged to Joseph, was told by the angel Gabriel that she would bear the Son of God; she answered, May it be to me according to your word. Luke 1:26–38
She visited her relative Elizabeth and praised God in song, gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem, and treasured all these things in her heart. Luke 1:39–56Luke 2:6–7Luke 2:19
She asked Jesus to help at the wedding at Cana, stood near the cross, where Jesus entrusted her to the beloved disciple, and prayed with the disciples after the ascension. John 2:1–5John 19:25–27Acts 1:14
Life at a glance
- Home
- Nazareth in Galilee Luke 1:26–27
- Husband
- Joseph Matthew 1:18Matthew 1:24
- Relative
- Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist Luke 1:36
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Mary, mother of Jesus
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
The angel's announcement
Gabriel tells Mary she will conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear Jesus; she accepts God's word.
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Supporting passage: Matthew 1:18–25
People: Jesus, Joseph of Nazareth
Places named: Nazareth
Visit to Elizabeth and Mary's song
Mary visits Elizabeth, who calls her blessed; Mary praises God who lifts up the humble.
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People: Elizabeth
The birth of Jesus
In Bethlehem Mary gives birth to Jesus and lays him in a manger; she ponders the shepherds' words.
In the temple
Simeon tells Mary that a sword will pierce her own soul. Years later she and Joseph find the boy Jesus in the temple.
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People: Jesus, Joseph of Nazareth
Flight to Egypt
Joseph takes Mary and the child to Egypt, then to Nazareth.
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People: Jesus, Joseph of Nazareth
At the wedding in Cana
Mary tells Jesus the wine has run out and tells the servants, Do whatever he tells you.
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People: Jesus
Seeking Jesus with his brothers
His mother and brothers come looking for him; Jesus says whoever does God's will is his brother, sister and mother.
At the cross
Mary stands near the cross; Jesus entrusts her to the disciple he loved, who takes her into his home.
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People: Jesus, John the apostle, Mary Magdalene
Praying with the disciples
After the ascension Mary is with the apostles and Jesus' brothers, devoted to prayer.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Mary, mother of Jesus. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Teaching or quotation mentioning them
- Galatians 4:4 — God sent his Son, born of a woman.
Family and relationships
- JesusSonLuke 2:7
- Joseph of NazarethHusbandMatthew 1:24
- ElizabethRelativeLuke 1:36
Books associated with Mary, mother of Jesus
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
- What does Mary's song (Luke 1:46-55) say about God?
Stories and studies
- The Birth of Jesus Story
Mary receives Gabriel’s announcement and gives birth to Jesus.
- The Crucifixion of Jesus Story
Mary stands near the cross and is entrusted to the beloved disciple.
- Pentecost Story
Mary prays with the disciples before Pentecost.
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