“A Virgin Shall Conceive”

Alan C. Miner

According to Cleon Skousen, it is interesting that certain theological scholars in some of the modern churches have suggested that the word "virgin" (Isaiah 7:15; 2 Nephi 17:14) be changed to "A young woman of marriageable age." What they are trying to say is that they believe Mary was a sinner. They believe the miracle of the virgin birth was invented to cover up her shame. But this will not do. How ridiculous it would have sounded to Ahaz if Isaiah had said, "Behold, a young woman of marriageable age shall conceive and bring forth a son . . ."! What kind of a sign would that be? It would be no miracle at all. The Book of Mormon uses the word "virgin" in the correct, original sense. Interestingly enough, the Septuagint version of Isaiah (written around 260 B.C., and therefore constituting the oldest Greek translation of the Old Testament) uses the word "virgin" just as the Book of Mormon does. [W. Cleon Skousen, Treasures from the Book of Mormon, Vol 1, p. 1300]

Step by Step Through the Book of Mormon: A Cultural Commentary

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