Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah

by Brant Pitre

“Brant Pitre is one of the most compelling theological writers on the scene today.” –Bishop Robert Barron   Bestselling author of Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist casts new light on the Virgin Mary, illuminating her role in the Old and New Testaments.   Are Catholic teachings on Mary really biblical? Or are they the "traditions of men"? Should she be called the "Mother of God," or just the mother of Jesus? Did she actually remain a virgin her whole life or do the "brothers of Jesus" refer to her other children? By praying to Mary, are Catholics worshipping her? And what does Mary have to do with the quest to understand Jesus?   In Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary, Dr. Pitre takes readers step-by-step from the Garden of Eden to the Book of Revelation to reveal how deeply biblical Catholic beliefs about Mary really are. Dr. Pitre uses the Old Testament and Ancient Judaism to unlock how the Bible itself teaches that Mary is in fact the new Eve, the Mother of God, the Queen of Heaven and Earth, and the new Ark of the Covenant.

Genres: Catholic, Theology, Religion, Faith, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2018

About the author

Dr. Brant Pitre is Professor of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana. He earned his Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, where he specialized the study of the New Testament and ancient Judaism. He is the author of several articles and the books Jesus, the Tribulation, and the End of the Exile (Baker Academic, 2005); Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist (Image Books, 2011); and Jesus the Bridegroom (Image Books, 2014). Dr. Pitre is an extremely enthusiastic and engaging speaker who lectures regularly across the United States. He has produced dozens of Bible studies on CD, DVD, and MP3, in which he explores the biblical foundations of Catholic faith and theology. He currently lives in Gray, Louisiana, with his wife Elizabeth, and their five children.

Reviews

[Fr. Wirth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be included in everyone's Catholic library. An exceptional Scriptural/Apologetic overview of Mary and her fundamental role within Salvation History. As always, Pitre shows in great depth the dynamic relationship between the Old/New Testament, as well as a wide variety of writings from various Jewish scholars and Church Fathers on the Blessed Mother and her various titles. One of the best takeaways from the book is simply this: when one comes to know Mary more fully in her particular Virginal/Spiritual Motherhood, the more we are able to know her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.

I will definitely be going back to this on a regular basis.

[Noah Calcagno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve long been fascinated by typography, loving to study the Old Testament types and prefigured of Christ during my time in seminary. I had no idea, however, that so many existed for Mary as well.

This book truly blew my mind, though people often call Marian teachings mere tradition with no biblical basis, she truly is all over the Scriptures and it’s magnificent to see. This book is a true eye opener and I’d recommend it to anyone.

[Kevin Godinho · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was going to give this book 3 stars, but that's only because I'm not sure if I agree with the content. So, I'm going to give it 4, because it was a good book. If you want to learn why Catholics believe what they do about Mary, this is a great book. It is easy to digest and sheds a lot of light on Marian Dogmas. It is a common misconception that the Catholic veneration of Mary came from pagan influences. The author does a decent job showing the "Jewish roots of Mary."

I can see how they see Mary as a type of Ark because she carried Christ, which is essentially what the Ark carried: Arron's rod, manna, and the law. There is also a case to be made for how they relate the Ark being brought back to Jerusalem by David to a few parallel events with Mary visiting Elizebeth. However, they see Mary as the antitype of the Ark, which means that she has a much deeper and broader fulfillment than just a type or shadow. They take this hermeneutic and run with it, which deduces things like her immaculate conception because the Ark cannot be defiled. I'm not sure I'd do all that.

They see her as the Queen of Heaven because she is the "Queen Mother." This is an ancient idea that we aren't familiar with today. This is why they pray to her and ask her to intercede to her Son on their behalf in the same way Solomon's son went to Bathsheba to intercede on his behalf. I'm not sure how I feel about this either.

She is the new Eve because it was her Seed that crushed the head of the serpent. Since she is the new Eve and her Son instituted the new creation where the effects of the Fall are being reversed, she is the first woman to give birth without labor pains. I don't necessarily have a problem with this. Although, I'm not sure about it either. I see the last Eve as the Church, so I'm not sure I'd apply this to Mary as definitively as they do. Rather, to the sinless state that the Bride will be in when every tear is wiped away on the other side of the Resurrection.

They see Mary as the woman in Revelation giving birth. This is a text they come back to often for a few of their points, particularly her bodily assumption into heaven after her Son. I don't know how I feel about seeing this allegorical woman in Revelation as Mary. There are a lot of characteristics that Catholics apply to Mary that I have historically applied to the Church, and even then, the full manifestation of those things won't be realized until the eschaton. So, with that said, I'm not sure how I feel about a lot of these, which I would consider to be "church" antitypes, being applied in an absolute way to Mary. 

She is the Theotokos, the Mother of God. I agree with this. 

I found the perpetual virginity arguments interesting. I'm not sure I agree with the claim, but it does seem that all of the Protestant arguments against it do fall short once the text is investigated, particularly around Jesus' "brothers." 

It is awe-inspiring to think of God in the flesh being knitted together in Mary's womb by the power of the Spirit. The same blood that was poured out for the forgiveness of sins in the new covenant was coursing through her veins as she carried Him for nine months. I imagine His presence would have had a sanctifying effect on her. She is indeed the most blessed of all women, and people will continue to call her blessed for all generations. John leapt in his mother's womb, for goodness sake! She is the mother of our Lord, and we ought to respect her for the vessel of honor that she is.

The author uses Scripture, ancient Jewish texts, and church fathers throughout the centuries to support his claims. I found this book to be very enlightening, and it gave me quite a few things to chew on. I love reading the church fathers, and wherever I can come to a one-mind understanding with the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, I want to. There were a lot of things in this book that I wouldn't mind getting on board with, and there were others that made me slightly uncomfortable, and, at this point, I am not willing to go that direction. 

[Richard Fitzgerald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brant Pitre attempts to argue for the validity of various "controversial" Mary doctrines held by the Roman and Eastern churches. Some of these beliefs might be true, but there is no direct biblical evidence that they are. Pitre claims that despite the accusations of doctrines like the perpetual virginity of Mary and immaculate conception being pagan, they are based on Jewish thought. In some cases, his arguments are at least interesting. In most cases, Pitre's arguments are merely silly. He tries to argue from Old Testament typology that Eve is a type of Mary (possibly); therefore, just like Eve was created without sin, Mary was also. Eve was created before human sin but Mary after, so their contexts are different. Eve had to be created sinless because there was no sin. Further, to argue something as significant as Mary's sinlessness from typology alone is unsupportable. The arguments throughout the book were equally shallow and weak.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I paused from the other awesome Brant Pitre associated textbook I am reading ("A Catholic Introduction to the Bible - the Old Testament"), to read this book, and very glad I did. I love the way Brant Pitre writes.

[Clare Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took awhile but I got there. This book is SUPER entry level while still explaining clearly the points the author desires to make. Word to the wise: have a bible next to you as you read! Many scriptures passages are referenced and it is nice to consider them side by side. I don’t feel confident that I will remember most of the book but can see myself going back to it as I write bible study or discipleship

[Haley Baumeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if one still come away with questions, Pitre does an excellent job handling these typologies, teachings, and dogmas surrounding Mary through investigating scriptural and historical origins.

I loved how he deliberately began the chapters with the person of Christ and what that means for Mary, because she is always pointing to the greater. He does all of this in a way that is clear enough to be helpful. And the charts! I loved the charts!

The overview style makes for a helpful launching-off point for further investigation into any given topic. (I’m grateful for the many astute notes and honest questions my husband left scribbled in our copy, which I went back to revisit and skim through afterwards.)

Lot to consider, be amazed by, push back on, grapple with, study further, humbly carry with you.

[Manny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very best book on the Marian doctrines. Dr. Pitre takes us through the Old Testament and New and identifies all the Marian doctrines and one that is not even all that well known. They are all Biblical, so don't be shy about your devotion to the Blessed Mother. This book is superb in its clarity and depth. I've read several books on Marian doctrines in the last two years and this surpasses them all.

[Dominic Muresan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fost fain, desi asta stiam de cand am cumparat cartea: Brant Pitre nu dezamageste. Limbaj foarte simplu si inteligibil; cercetare foarte bine pusa la punct (mi-am imbogatit contul de goodreads doar din trimiterile bibliografice, care sunt foarte multe pentru o carticica asa subtire).

Totusi, desi argumentatia a fost buna, de anumite chestiuni nu sunt total convins si adica de necesitatea teologica a Mariei. Pare sa lipseasca ceva, desi nu pot pune degetul pe ce. Poate ca intreaga dogma nu face sens pentru mine si altii din secolul asta, crescuti protestanti, dar inainte era logica ca un mecanism de ceas. Ori asta, ori am ratat ceva din carte.

Ce m-a convins foarte mult (si din cartea respectiva, dar si din celelate citite) este modul atata de dubios in care primii crestini si evreii antichitatii tarzii citeau Vechiul Testament. Cate alegorii, cate constructii tipologice, cat dezinteres pentru sensul literal/istoric al textului. Sincer, cand deschid cate o carte din VT si ma lovesc de realitatea critico-textuala, ma gandesc la baietii astia si ma linistesc. Imi place!

In orice caz, ca si pe celelalte,
recomand.

[Jaslyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best and most illuminating books I've read this year. I've felt a special connection to Mary for whatever reason at the start of September and have been very curious to learn more about apostolic and early Church Mariology all year. There have been many other little things, such as certain conversations, songs, and videos that kept nudging at my developing curiosity...... Anyway there is too much to say. Only that she certainly IS Queen of Heaven!!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent dive into Marian ideas and was super helpful in bringing forth themes and parallels and types I had never been taught before.

[Marie Marcalus · Rating 5 out of 5]

over 2000 years of Marian doctrine (not including hundreds of years of Jewish customs and traditions) summed up in under 200 pages 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼 This was phenomenal. I just love our Blessed Mother so much.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not as strong as Pitre's "Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist: Unlocking the Secrets of the Last Supper, and often ignoring the Orthodox viewpoint*, I found there to me many a-ha's in this survey of the roots of Mary in the Old Testament and in Jewish tradition. I loved the connection with Rachel and with the figure of the Queen Mother.

*I felt like he was told to look into the Orthodox view, so he'd mention it now and then, but not research and bring the history into his work.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is phenomenal, it is a very comprehensive look at Mary using sources from the Old Testament, New Testament, Jewish sources, as well as some misc sources, defending the catholic teaching of Mary from Protestant and Orthodox arguments!

[Joseph Yue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The central argument of this book is that, if Catholic Mariology as found today is like a mature human adult, then it emphatically did not pop out of a stone of human imagination or even idolatry; its embryonic form was already present in the Old Testament as various types. Further, understanding the Jewish typology of Mary greatly enriches one's understanding of the Jewish typology of Christ. There's no more competition between Christology and Mariology than between a chocolate cake and a luscious stream of cream: one can do fine without the latter, but so much better with it.

The theological reasoning and historical analysis that Pitre demonstrates are impeccable, yet his tone is not so serious as to be inaccessible to common readers. As such, it can be a fitting work for private devotion, meditation, or even relaxation; as for academic purposes, the bibliography may serve as a good starting point.

[Rev Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an unusually frustrating read to make it through due to the author's jumps and leaps to try and root Catholic practices in the Biblical text. I could follow Pitre as he tied Old Testament teaching on Eve or the Ark to Mary. I would not argue that Mary is a new Eve or Ark for the Church today, but his jump to how this should change practices in the church was never based on Biblical truth. The Scripture never tell us to see Mary as sinless or a lifelong virgin or to pray to her.

You can see Pitre's leaps in his constant use of the phrases: "then it makes sense" or "seems to suggest" or " then it seems clear." The Bible, Old or New Testament, never actually makes the claims that Pitre desires to make in order to justify Catholic teaching or practices regarding Mary. It is all based on, "this seems good to us." This should not be a good enough justification for any follower of the Bible. The Bible can seem to say whatever I want. The question is: "what does the Bible say."

The Bible does not say, Mary was sinless, a virgin for life, the Queen of Heaven, or she should be the recipient of our prayers. I would encourage protestants to read this book to better understand the reasoning behind the Roman Catholic teachings on Mary.

[Tyler Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for my Systematic Theology II course under Dr. Jacob Lett for a research paper I was writing on Mary, the mother of Jesus. I found Pitre to be an exceptional communicator. He took Roman Catholic doctrines and concepts that were foreign to my Protestant, Evangelical mind and make them easy to grasp. With an impressive degree of simplicity, Pitre articulated Roman Catholic Mariology well. I will certainly use this book as a resource in the future!

[Fr. Edward Looney · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading hundreds of books in Mary and authoring some myself, there is no need for another book on Mary. Hands down, the best book I’ve ever read. If you want to know Mary, read this book.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small faith group that I belong to is doing a study on the Eucharist done by this author. The video for it is on the Formed app. It is excellent. This was also very good.

[Courtney Vandiver · Rating 5 out of 5]

QUEEN Mary

[Cecilia Nilsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much!!! I think this is a great book for anyone who wants to understand why the Catholic Church honors Mary and why she is more than just a character in the life of Jesus. The author does a great job of explaining in depth why we believe these things in terms of the Old Testament. Highly highly recommend!

[Doug Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding scholarship! Pitre does a great job of explaining things in a clear, concise way, yet backing up his assumptions and conclusions with detailed biblical and historical scholarship.
The theme of this book is Mary, but it is really about Jesus and explaining who He is and how to understand the Bible and the world.

[Karalee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always wondered why the Catholic church has, what I think are quite strange views about Mary that seem to come out of nowhere. Why do they think Mary is sinless? Why do they think that she remained a Virgin for her whole life? Why do they think that she is the queen of heaven? Why do they think that she intercedes on our behalf? This book answers all those questions and more. This was a very easy to read and highly informative book.

That being said, I can't say that agreed with very many of the conclusions that were made. I believe that Catholicism makes an awful lot of very large claims from what is in reality very little and unclear evidence. The claim is made that, because Mary represents Rachel weeping for her children (Jeremiah 31:1 5) and because Jesus asked John to look after his Mother (John 19:25-30), that means that Mary is now Mother to all of us and she is in heaven interceding on our behalf. I still don't quite get how the Catholic church got there, especially when there are verses like 1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus". I could go on, but I will stop here.

Even though I can't agree with a lot that is in this book I am glad that I read it. It will help inform a lot of my other reading, particularly the medieval books that I am reading. I think that I might have to go on and read Brant Pitre's other books. It is not often that I have so many questions answered in so few pages.

[Jeff Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good compendium regarding Mary rooted in the understanding of Jewish culture and the Old Testament. About two-thirds of the material I was familiar with from other sources, and the rest of information new to me. Still it was good to go over this wealth of information putting all into context.

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I began this book, I thought it might be a more academic version of Scott Hahn's "Hail Holy Queen." I figured it would give the basic reasons for why Catholics hold certain views about the Blessed Virgin, with perhaps more emphasis on scholarly evidence. For the first several chapters, this seemed to be true. As I continued reading, however, I found that there was much that one does not find in Hahn's discussion of the subject. The idea of the Virgin Mary as "the new Rachel" of the Old Testamant, as well as the discussion of the "birth pangs" of the New Creation inaugurated in Christ was especially insightful. I'd recommend this to anyone curious about Marian belief in the Catholic Church, as well as those who are already Catholic believers and would like to deepen their understanding of their spiritual Mother. Of course, as the title suggests, Pitre grounds his analysis in the roots of the Hebraic tradition and revelation.

[Brady Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother!' And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home." (John 19:26-27)

This book is a must read for every Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and especially Protestants who want to understand what the Bible has to say about Mary. Brant Pitre does an excellent job of synthesizing the Old Testament to the New Testament with relation to what the Catholic Church has always taught about Mary the Mother of God. Pitre makes it very clear on what the authors of the gospels are trying to convey about Mary based on the language they use and how it relates to many Old Testament characters and prophesies. This book helped me understand the motherly role that Mary has that was established by Christ for ALL Christians.

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Before I begin this review, I want to mention that I'm a Protestant and a seminary graduate. The review is written from my theological perspective. I know some will disagree with my thoughts on the book. That's okay. We can just agree to disagree. Now for the review: I looked forward to a book on the Jewishness of Scripture; however, this book fails because of flawed theology. It venerates the Virgin Mary rather than glorifying God and Christ. I'm thankful to attend a church where the pastor rightly divides the Word of God and brings out the Jewish context of the Scriptures while emphasizing the One who is worthy of worship -- and it's not Mary. This review is based on an advance electronic copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

[Kristian Kilgore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read, though much of his argument did not sway my Protestant bias. Many things that he drew out of the Jewish tradition were very enlightening and definitely worth the time to read the book.

Regardless of our theological differences, the author has a nice touch and is gifted at simplifying/presenting ideas that could have come across too complex for a more casual reader. I would read other books by Pitre, particularly if they were focused on points of theological agreement between Catholics and Protestants as opposed to points of difference.

[Richard R., Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Pitre is my favorite religious author and he has another gem her with Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary. By looking at Mary with 1st century Jewish eyes in light of the Old Testament he confirms what the Church has believed and taught about Mary from the first centuries such as "ever virgin," the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption. This should be a must read for anyone who teaches about Mary in RCIA, religious education or a Catholic school.

[Claire Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the mixture of Jewish Old Testament scholars, Protestant scholars, and Catholic Church Fathers/scholars. I wasn't skeptical about Mary but this book was still fascinating and only deepened my reverence. As one who is admittedly lacking in OT knowledge, this book taught me so much. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in Jewish tradition and what it means for us today! Note: this book is theological not prayerful.