The prophecy of a virgin birth came about when the Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek between the 3C and 2C BC (known as the Septuagint). The Septuagint translated what modern, more authoritative version translate as “a young woman” in the critical passage in Isiah as “a virgin”. It doesn’t actually matter though. Neither of the prime eye witness gospels are interested in Jesus’ birth (Peter’s memories as recorded by Mark and the tradition of John). For them it was his life, death and resurrection which caused them to acclaim him as The Son of God; and even for us today it is the life & resurrection which, we believe, tells us of the nature of God. 

Categories: Q&A