WAS MARY MARRIED WHEN JESUS WAS BORN? by Jack Cottrell (Notes) on Sunday, December 25, 2011 at 3:11pm QUESTION: Luke 2:5 says that when Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem where Jesus was born, Mary was only “engaged” or “betrothed” to Joseph. Does this mean Jesus was born to an unwed mother? ANSWER: Some think we cannot really answer this question for sure, but there are considerations that lead us to conclude that Mary and Joseph were indeed married when Jesus was born. One problem is the meaning of the Greek word (verb) used in this verse, i.e., mnēsteuō, which … Continue reading →