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

Church of Christ, Scientist

Church of Christ, Scientist

Unique & Independent

Nuanced

'Almah' = young woman; Jesus' earthly birth natural; virgin birth not essential

Christian Science rejects the doctrine of virgin birth as unnecessary and potentially misleading. The Hebrew 'almah' simply means young woman, not specifically virgin. Christian Science teaches that Jesus' real nature and significance lie in his spiritual unfoldment and his demonstration of Truth, not in the circumstances of his earthly conception. The focus on Jesus' biological origins distracts from his true value as a teacher of Christian healing and spiritual science. Jesus is not God's only son born of a virgin but rather an exemplary manifestation of God's Truth and Love.

Key Distinctions

Almah translation:
not essential to Jesus' role or power
Prophecy fulfillment:
Marian doctrine:

Scripture References

Sources

  • Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy
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