The Virgin Mary holds a central place in Christianity, revered as the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Her role in salvation history is unparalleled, and much has been written and contemplated about her life, virtues, and divine mission. However, one question often arises in theological study and popular curiosity: Who is the father of the Virgin Mary according to the Bible? This question opens the door not only to biblical exploration but also to early Christian traditions and historical sources outside the canonical texts.
The Silence of the Canonical Gospels
Surprisingly, the canonical Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—do not explicitly mention the name of the Virgin Mary’s father. The New Testament, particularly the Gospels, focuses mainly on Jesus Christ’s earthly life, his ministry, and his salvific mission. Mary appears prominently in the Annunciation (Luke 1:26–38) and in the Nativity accounts, but her background is not elaborately detailed.
In Matthew 1 and Luke 3, we are presented with genealogies, but these are genealogies of Jesus through Joseph, who is described as “of the house of David.” These lists were essential to establish Jesus’s Messianic credentials according to Jewish tradition, as the Messiah was expected to come from the lineage of King David. However, since Joseph was not Jesus’s biological father (according to Christian doctrine), these genealogies are seen as legal or adoptive in nature rather than biological.
Because the Gospels do not name Mary’s parents, many scholars and faithful turn to other ancient texts and Christian tradition to uncover her familial background.
The Protoevangelium of James: Introducing Joachim and Anne
Though not included in the Bible, the Protoevangelium of James (also called the Infancy Gospel of James), written around 150 AD, is one of the most important apocryphal sources that details the early life of the Virgin Mary, including the identity of her parents. This text is not canonical, but it has significantly shaped Christian tradition, especially within Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
The text presents Joachim and Anne as a devout, righteous couple who were barren for many years. In a narrative that mirrors the Old Testament story of Hannah and Samuel, they pray fervently for a child. In response to their prayers, an angel announces that they will have a daughter, who will be blessed above all women.
Mary is then born to Joachim and Anne and is presented in the Temple at a young age, where she is raised in a consecrated and holy life. This narrative sets the stage for Mary’s later acceptance of the angel Gabriel’s announcement that she would bear the Son of God.
The Legacy of Saint Joachim
In Christian tradition, Joachim is venerated as the father of the Virgin Mary and the grandfather of Jesus Christ. His character, though not described in the Bible, is portrayed in apocryphal literature and supported by the Sacred Tradition of the Church.
Characteristics of Saint Joachim:
Righteous and Devout: Like many patriarchs in the Bible who were tested by infertility, Joachim remained faithful to God despite his initial sorrow over being childless.
Wealthy and Generous: According to tradition, he was a wealthy man who divided his income into three parts—one for the Temple, one for the poor, and one for his family.
Model of Patience and Trust: His faith during hardship has made him a patron of fathers and grandparents in many Christian communities.
Feast Day:
Saint Joachim is celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church along with his wife Saint Anne on July 26. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, his feast is celebrated on September 9, the day after the Nativity of the Theotokos (Mary).
Saint Anne: The Mother of the Theotokos
Though this article primarily focuses on Mary’s father, it’s worth briefly acknowledging Saint Anne, who is equally venerated as Mary’s mother. In the Protoevangelium of James, Anne is depicted as pious and prayerful, mirroring the traits of her husband. Their union is often seen as the spiritual preparation for the arrival of Mary, who would be chosen to bear the Son of God.
Biblical Patterns and Cultural Context
Even though Joachim is not directly mentioned in the canonical Bible, the story presented in the Protoevangelium fits within a recognizable biblical pattern:
The story of an elderly, childless couple receiving a miraculous child after divine intervention is a common motif in Scripture:
- Abraham and Sarah → Isaac
- Elkanah and Hannah → Samuel
- Zechariah and Elizabeth → John the Baptist
Such patterns enhance the symbolic significance of Mary’s birth. They underscore that Mary, like many biblical figures before her, was chosen by divine purpose and brought into the world in a miraculous and holy way.
Theological Significance of Mary’s Parentage
The identity of Joachim as the father of Mary carries theological weight even though it is not recorded in the Bible. Here’s why:
1. Divine Preparation for the Incarnation
The Church teaches that Mary was immaculately conceived—born without original sin. Although the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is a distinct Catholic dogma and not directly connected to Joachim’s identity, the idea that Mary came from a righteous and pure lineage complements this teaching.
2. Human Roots of the Divine Plan
Understanding Mary’s parentage humanizes her story. It reminds believers that the divine plan unfolded through real people—faithful, flawed, and hopeful. Joachim, by this view, becomes a symbol of hope and steadfastness, preparing the way for the mother of Christ.
3. Model of Family Holiness
In Catholic and Orthodox traditions, the Holy Family does not begin with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—but with Joachim and Anne. Their household is seen as a precursor and model of holy living, encouraging Christians to cultivate faith and devotion within their families.
Artistic and Liturgical Representation
Saint Joachim has been a subject of Christian art, particularly in Eastern iconography and medieval Western art. He is often portrayed in scenes of:
The meeting at the Golden Gate, where he reunites with Anne after receiving the angelic message.
The birth of Mary, in which Joachim and Anne rejoice at the birth of their long-awaited daughter.
The presentation of Mary in the Temple, reflecting their fulfillment of their promise to dedicate her to God.
Liturgically, his name is invoked in various prayers, litanies, and feasts, highlighting his quiet yet pivotal role in salvation history.
Joachim in Other Religious Traditions
While Joachim is a revered figure in Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and some Anglican traditions, he does not feature prominently in Protestant Christianity, which typically adheres more strictly to biblical sources and tends to downplay apocryphal or non-canonical traditions.
In Islam, Mary (Maryam) is highly honored, and her lineage is partially described in the Qur’an. Her father is named Imran, which many scholars consider to be a variant or a different rendering of Joachim. Surah Al-Imran (The Family of Imran) in the Qur’an mentions her family as being chosen by God, though Islamic traditions differ from Christian apocryphal accounts.
Historical Evidence and Scholarly Viewpoints
Modern biblical scholars acknowledge that the Protoevangelium of James is not historical in the same sense as canonical texts. However, it is valued for its influence on Christian devotion, liturgical tradition, and theological reflection.
There is no archaeological or contemporary documentary evidence confirming the historical existence of Joachim. However, this does not diminish his significance in the spiritual imagination and liturgical life of the Church.
For many believers, the faith and righteousness attributed to him are more important than historical verification. He embodies the archetype of a holy patriarch who plays a background role in God’s grand plan.
Conclusion
Although the Bible does not mention Joachim by name, Christian tradition—especially through the Protoevangelium of James—holds that Joachim was the father of the Virgin Mary. Along with his wife, Saint Anne, Joachim is venerated as part of the holy lineage through which God prepared the world for the incarnation of His Son.
Joachim’s story teaches us that faithfulness, patience, and hope can bear extraordinary fruit. While his life remains largely in the shadows of Christian history, his legacy continues to inspire devotion among millions.
In a faith where humble service and silent strength are often more powerful than worldly fame, Saint Joachim remains a fitting patriarch for the mother of our Savior.
You Might Be Interested In:
