Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 1:27

"to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin`s name was Mary." — Luke 1:27 (ASV)

The young virgin Mary contrasts with the old priest Zechariah, who was past the time for having children. The word “virgin” (GK 4221) refers here to one who had not yet had sexual relations. Since betrothal often took place soon after puberty, Mary may have just entered her teens. This relationship was legally binding, but intercourse was not permitted until marriage. Only divorce or death could sever betrothal.

Luke calls Joseph “a descendant of David.” Even though the genealogy in 3:23–37 is often taken as showing Mary’s line, this is never stated as such (see comments). We should probably assume that Luke considers Jesus a legitimate member of the royal line by what we today might call the right of adoption. This has an important bearing on the promise in v.32b.

On the spot in Nazareth where it was believed that Gabriel visited the virgin Mary now stands the Church of the Annunciation.