The idea
In ancient Judaism wombs and tombs were compared. Jesus rose from a still-sealed tomb (the angel rolled back the stone that was already in place) just as he was born from a sealed, virginal womb. Ephrem: the seal of the tomb bore witness to the seal of the womb. The virgin birth is a sign of the resurrection.
Key verses
- Matthew 28:2 — the tomb still sealed; an angel rolls back the stone.
- Jeremiah 20:15, Jeremiah 20:17, Sirach 40:1, Sirach 51:5 — the womb likened to the grave, the earth as 'mother of all,' death as 'the womb of Hades.'
- Matthew 27:66 — the tomb sealed and guarded; Romans 8:29 — the risen Christ 'the firstborn among many brethren.'
The connection
| Old Testament root | New Testament fulfilment | |
|---|---|---|
| Born from a sealed virgin womb | → | Risen from a sealed tomb |
Ancient Jews compared wombs and tombs, and Jesus rose from a still-sealed tomb just as he was born from a sealed, virginal womb. Following Ephrem, Pitre presents the virgin birth as a sign and pledge of the resurrection.
Sources
- Ephrem the Syrian — Commentary on the Diatessaron 21.21; Hymns on the Nativity 10.6–8 (p 137) · read · read
- Severus of Antioch — Homily 108 (p 137) · read
- Augustine of Hippo — Sermon 215.3 (p 137) · read
- Leo the Great — Tome to Flavian on the miraculous birth (pp 134–135) · read