Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ, [Tischendorf and Tregelles read 'the birth of Christ;' a very ancient reading, but otherwise most insufficiently attested.]
Was on this wise, (or 'thus:') When as his mother, Mary was espoused, [ mneesteutheisees (G3423 ) - rather, 'betrothed'] - to Joseph, before they came together, she was found (or discovered to be) with child of the Holy Spirit. It was, of course, the fact only that was discovered: the explanation of the fact here given is the Evangelist's own. That the Holy Spirit is a living, conscious Person is plainly implied here, and is elsewhere clearly taught (Acts 5:3-4, etc.); and that, in the unity of the Godhead, He is distinct both from the Father and the Son, is taught with equal distinctness (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). On the Miraculous Conception of our Lord, see the note at Luke 1:35.