Was This Just?

Why did Zechariah get punished by Gabriel but not Mary?

Zechariah was a Jewish priest who was responsible for teaching the people who was married and having sexual relations with his wife who knew the history of Sarah, Rachel and Hannah asked:

“Zech·a·riʹah said to the angel: “How can I be sure of this? For I am old, and my wife is well along in years.” “ - Luke 1:18

Mary was a Jewess who was not married and not having sexual relations, asked:

“But Mary said to the angel: “How is this to be, since I am not having sexual relations with a man?” “ - Luke 1:34

Zechariah had no reason to question and lack faith in what Gabriel said. He was married and having sexual relations with his wife. He knew of Abraham and Sarah. Zechariah knew his wife could get pregnant as a result of their having intimate relations. It would be silly for Gabriel to tell him such.

Mary did not lack faith but wondered HOW it would occur being she was not having sexual relations.

Posted Nov 20, 2025, 9:36 AM UTC

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