The Perpetual Virginity of Saint Mary and the Explanation of “Until She Gave Birth” and the Brothers of Christ

First: The Main Idea of the Lecture

The lecture affirms the doctrine of the Coptic Orthodox Church concerning the perpetual virginity of Saint Mary before, during, and after birth, and responds to objections raised regarding certain biblical expressions such as the word “woman,” the phrase “until she gave birth,” and the term “brothers of the Lord.”

Second: The Meaning of the Word “Woman” in the Holy Bible

The lecture explains that the word “woman” in the Holy Bible does not imply loss of virginity, but rather refers to femininity or lawful betrothal. It was used for Eve while she was still a virgin and for betrothed virgins; therefore, its use for Saint Mary does not deny her virginity.

Third: The Interpretation of the Phrase “Until She Gave Birth to Her Firstborn Son”

The lecture clarifies that the word “until” in the Bible negates what comes before it and does not necessarily imply the opposite afterward. Its purpose is to confirm the virginal birth, without any human contact, not to suggest a change afterward.

Fourth: The Meaning of the Word “Firstborn”

The word “firstborn” means the one born first and does not require the existence of other children afterward; it is a well-known legal term in Scripture.

Fifth: The Wisdom Behind Non-Literal Expressions

Some expressions were used in a discreet and non-literal manner to protect Saint Mary from accusations of sin or stoning by the Jews, who could not comprehend the concept of virginal birth.

Sixth: The Meaning of the Term “Brothers of Christ”

The lecture explains that the word “brother” in the Holy Bible has many meanings:

• Humanity as a whole
• The poor
• The disciples
• Close relatives
  It does not necessarily mean brothers from the same father and mother.

Seventh: The Brothers of the Lord Are Relatives

Through comparison of Gospel texts, the lecture confirms that the “brothers of Christ” are the sons of Mary, the wife of Clopas (or Alphaeus), the sister of Saint Mary, and not her own children.

Eighth: Evidence Affirming the Perpetual Virginity

The lecture presents biblical and rational evidence proving the impossibility that Saint Mary bore other children, such as:

• Her being entrusted to John the Beloved at the Cross
• The absence of any mention of other children during the flight to Egypt or the return
• Prophecies such as the closed eastern gate in the Book of Ezekiel

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