Christograph

Isaiah 7:14 — "Virgin or Young Woman"

Whether the Hebrew word 'almah' in Isaiah 7:14 should be translated as 'virgin' (as in the Septuagint and Matthew 1:23) or 'young woman,' and the implications for the doctrine of the virgin birth.

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Overall consensus83/100

Christian Reformed Church in North America

Christian Reformed Church in North America

Evangelical

Affirms

Isaiah 7:14 prophesies virgin birth; text refers to Messiah's miraculous conception

The CRC affirms that Isaiah 7:14 foretells the virgin birth of the Messiah. While scholarly debate exists about 'almah' (young woman) versus 'bethulah' (virgin), the CRC follows the ecclesiastical and Septuagintal tradition interpreting the passage as messianic and predictive of Jesus' virgin birth. Matthew 1:22-23 explicitly applies this verse to Jesus' incarnation through Mary. The virgin birth affirms God's direct initiative in the Incarnation and the unique status of Christ as the God-man, central to reformed soteriology.

Key Distinctions

Almah translation:
interpreted messianic; virgin birth affirmed
Prophecy fulfillment:
demonstrates God's sovereignty in Incarnation
Marian doctrine:

Scripture References

Sources

  • Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 35-36
  • Christian Reformed Church Doctrinal Standards
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