Overview
The Bible addresses virginity primarily in the context of marriage and sexual morality. Old Testament law protected the rights and reputation of virgins, establishing consequences for those who violated them. Virginity signified purity and was expected of unmarried women entering marriage. The New Testament fulfills prophecy through Mary's virginal conception of Jesus Christ.
Key Scriptures
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14, NIV).
"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel'" (Matthew 1:23, NIV).
"She was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:18, NIV).
Application
Christians should honor sexual purity as God's design for relationships and recognize Mary's virginity as central to affirming Jesus's unique divine origin and humanity.