Why is it so important to Christians that Mary had to be a virgin?
Was it just a marketing idea for a more dramatic touch?
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Renaci · 36-40
From what I remember they had to claim that to fit a misunderstood prophecy in the OT. But the OT prophecy never actually claimed that. When it said virgin it was simply the ancient term for teenager, not someone that had never had sex.
The Hebrew word is הָעַלְמָ֗ה meaning young women which got translated as virgin which got interpreted as never had sex.
So they screwed up the prophecy in their effort to force it.
The same thing can also be seen in the prophecy where Jesus enters the city riding two donkeys at the same time. But Matthew trying to shoehorn a prophecy as well misunderstood Zechariah 9:9.
The Hebrew word is הָעַלְמָ֗ה meaning young women which got translated as virgin which got interpreted as never had sex.
So they screwed up the prophecy in their effort to force it.
The same thing can also be seen in the prophecy where Jesus enters the city riding two donkeys at the same time. But Matthew trying to shoehorn a prophecy as well misunderstood Zechariah 9:9.
Grateful4you · M
@Renaci Thanks for detailed clarification.