Perpetual Virginity of Mary

"Didn't Jesus have brothers and sisters? How was Mary always a virgin?"

3 Scripture passages2 objections answered2 Church Father quotes

The Short Answer

The Catholic Church teaches that Mary remained a virgin her entire life—before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. The 'brothers of Jesus' mentioned in Scripture were relatives (cousins or step-brothers), not children of Mary.

Quick Overview

In biblical languages, 'brother' meant any close relative—cousin, step-brother, kinsman. Abraham called Lot his 'brother' even though Lot was his nephew. The 'brothers of Jesus' were relatives, not Mary's children. Plus, at the cross, Jesus gave Mary to John—if she had other sons, they would have cared for her!

Biblical Evidence

What the Scriptures say

Luke 1:34

"And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man?"

Why This Matters

Mary asks 'how' she will conceive, implying a vow of virginity. If she planned normal marital relations, the answer would be obvious.

Ezekiel 44:2

"This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall pass through it: because the Lord the God of Israel hath entered in by it."

Why This Matters

The Church Fathers saw this as a prophecy of Mary's virginity. The gate through which the Lord entered remains forever closed.

John 19:26-27

"Woman, behold thy son... Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own."

Why This Matters

If Mary had other sons, why entrust her to John? Jewish custom would require her sons to care for her. Jesus gave her to John because there were no other children.

What the Church Teaches

Official Catholic doctrine

Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Christ (CCC 499-501). The 'brothers' of Jesus are relatives, not biological siblings. Hebrew and Aramaic use 'brother' for cousins and kinsmen.

Common Objections

Questions answered

Early Church Fathers

What the first Christians believed

St. Jerome

c. 383 AD

"You say that Mary did not continue a virgin: I claim still more, that Joseph himself on account of Mary was a virgin."

— Against Helvidius

St. Augustine

c. 401 AD

"A virgin conceiving, a virgin bearing, a virgin pregnant, a virgin bringing forth, a virgin perpetual."

— Sermons 186:1

Mother of God

Apostolic Succession

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