Why is it important to non-Catholics that the English word "virgin" be the translation in Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23?
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Matthew 1:23 uses the word [G3933 - parthenos](https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3933/kjv/tr/0-1/) .
Thayer's Greek Lexicon says it can mean:
- a virgin.
- a marriageable maiden, or a young (married) woman.
He is quoting Isaiah 7:14, which uses the word [H5959 - Ężalmâ](https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h5959/kjv/wlc/0-1/) .
This Hebrew word is defined as:
- young woman (ripe sexually; maid or newly married).
Almost all English translations render it as "virgin".
Whether it's "virgin", "maid", "marriageable maiden", "newly married", or whatever, it really doesn't make much difference, as Matthew clearly provides the detail that *is* significant:
- 1:18 "*with child of the Holy Ghost*".
- 1:20 "*that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost*".
It's obvious why the Catholic Church (Roman or Orthodox) would want "virgin" to be the translation,
but why do any other Christian denominations care about it?
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# Note that this is not asking about the Roman/Orthodox position, nor is it asking for what the "correct" translation is.
(Yes, I know it's bad form to shout like that, but too many people don't seem to notice it otherwise.)
It is asking why *non-Catholic* denominations also seem to believe the "virgin" translation is important and significant.
It is similar to, but not a duplicate of [*Why was it necessary for Mary to be a virgin?*](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/2414/why-was-it-necessary-for-mary-to-be-a-virgin) , as that was too broadly scoped, and was doctrinal rather than about translation.
Asked by Ray Butterworth
(13599 rep)
Feb 14, 2026, 09:36 PM
Last activity: Feb 23, 2026, 07:53 AM
Last activity: Feb 23, 2026, 07:53 AM