Geneva Study Bible & Mary’s Virginity

In this short post I will cite the notes of the Geneva Study Bible on the key texts that Protestant apologists often employ to refute the perpetual virginity of the blessed Mother of our Lord. The reason these notes are important is because they are based on the theological insights and positions of reformers such as John Calvin and John Knox. Note what the following site writes in this respect:

Geneva Bible Study Notes

The Geneva Bible is one of the most important versions in the history of Bible translation. It stands as a milestone in the development of biblical annotation and commentary. It also laid the groundwork for modern study Bibles, which themselves served as the inspiration for applications and websites such as Blue Letter Bible. First published in 1560 by Protestant scholars in Geneva, Switzerland, this work was notable for being the first English translation to implement several things. Among these are textual and explanatory study notes in page margins.

The study notes included in the Geneva Bible were compiled from the work of Reformation leaders including John Calvin, John Knox, and others. Their Reformed theological perspective enhanced the reading of the Scriptures and promoted purposeful study of the text by laymen. These notes are comprehensively vast, covering theological, historical, and practical aspects of the text. (Geneva Bible Study Notes; emphasis mine)

The notes show that these reformers did not believe that Mary had children after Jesus or that Joseph became intimate with her after giving birth to her holy and divine Son. They took the view that the alleged brothers and sisters of the Lord were actually his cousins, not the biological offspring of the holy and pure Virgin.

It should be further highlighted that this study Bible was edited by Theodor Bezae, which indicates that he also accepted Mary’s perpetual virginity.

Here’s another link to the online version of this particular Reformation study bible: Geneva Study Bible (Editor - Theodore Beza) 

We now proceed to the notes themselves: 

Mat 1:25 And knew her not (l) till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. 

(l) The word "till", in the Hebrew language, gives us to understand that a thing will not come to pass in time to come: as Michal had no children "till" her death day, 2Sa 6:23. And in the last chapter of this evangelist: Behold, I am with you "till" the end of the world. 

Mar 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his (b) sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 

(b) This word is used after the manner of the Hebrews, who by brethren and sisters understand all relatives.

Jhn 2:12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his (f) brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

(f) That is, his cousins.

Jhn 7:5 For neither did his (b) brethren believe in him.

(b) His relatives: for the Hebrews used to speak in this way.

Further Reading

John Calvin, the Reformers & Mary’s Perpetual Virginity