Mary, the mother of Jesus, is one of the most well-known women in the Bible. She was chosen by God for a special purpose—to give birth to His Son. The Bible gives us many powerful glimpses into her life, faith, and courage. Here are 10 interesting facts about Mary based on Scripture.
1. Mary Was a Young Virgin When God Chose Her
Mary was a young Jewish girl, probably in her teens, when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. She was a virgin, engaged to Joseph.
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”
— Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV)
“Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.’”
— Luke 1:30 (NKJV)
2. She Was from the Small Town of Nazareth
Mary lived in Nazareth, a humble town in Galilee. It was not a place of high status, yet God chose it for His plan.
“The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin...”
— Luke 1:26–27 (NKJV)
3. Mary Showed Great Faith and Obedience
When the angel told her she would bear the Son of God, Mary didn’t run away in fear. Instead, she responded with faith.
“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”
— Luke 1:38 (NKJV)
4. She Sang a Song of Praise Known as the “Magnificat”
Mary’s faith led her to praise God in a beautiful song, often called the “Magnificat.”
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.”
— Luke 1:46–47 (NKJV)
5. Mary Faced Social Shame for Her Pregnancy
Even though she was innocent, Mary likely faced gossip and shame, since she was pregnant before marriage.
“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man... was minded to put her away secretly.”
— Matthew 1:19 (NKJV)
6. She Witnessed Jesus’ First Miracle
Mary was present when Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana. She even encouraged Him to act.
“His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it.’”
— John 2:5 (NKJV)
7. Mary Was at the Cross When Jesus Died
Mary stood near the cross, watching her Son suffer. Jesus showed care for her even in His final moments.
“When Jesus therefore saw His mother... He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’”
— John 19:26 (NKJV)
8. Jesus Had Brothers and Sisters Through Mary and Joseph
While Jesus was born of a virgin, the Bible mentions siblings—likely Mary’s other children with Joseph.
“Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?”
— Matthew 13:55 (NKJV)
9. Mary Was in the Upper Room After Jesus’ Resurrection
Mary was among the disciples after Jesus rose from the dead. She continued to follow God’s plan.
“These all continued with one accord in prayer... with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus.”
— Acts 1:14 (NKJV)
10. She Is Honored Throughout History, but Never Worshipped in the Bible
Mary is honored for her obedience and role, but the Bible never shows her being worshipped. Worship belongs to God alone.
“You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.”
— Matthew 4:10 (NKJV)
Summary Table
| Fact # | Key Point | Bible Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virgin when chosen | Luke 1:30, Isaiah 7:14 |
| 2 | From Nazareth | Luke 1:26–27 |
| 3 | Showed obedience | Luke 1:38 |
| 4 | Sang “Magnificat” | Luke 1:46–47 |
| 5 | Faced social shame | Matthew 1:19 |
| 6 | Present at Cana | John 2:5 |
| 7 | At the crucifixion | John 19:26 |
| 8 | Had other children | Matthew 13:55 |
| 9 | In the upper room | Acts 1:14 |
| 10 | Honored, not worshipped | Matthew 4:10 |
