As an expert in biblical studies, I can provide an in-depth analysis of the question regarding the death of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as depicted in the Bible. It is important to note that the Bible itself does not provide explicit details about Mary's death. However, there are various traditions, apocryphal texts, and scholarly interpretations that attempt to fill in the gaps. Let's explore these sources to understand the different perspectives on Mary's death.
According to the canonical gospels in the New Testament, Mary is mentioned in several key events in Jesus' life, including his birth, his presentation at the temple, his crucifixion, and his resurrection. However, after these events, her life story is not further elaborated upon in the biblical text.
The ancient Jewish custom you mentioned suggests that Mary could have been betrothed at a young age, which was not uncommon in the culture of that time. This custom, however, does not provide information about her death.
One of the apocryphal texts, the "Protoevangelium of James," which is not part of the canonical Bible, provides additional details about Mary's life. It is sometimes referred to as the "Infancy Gospel" and offers a narrative that is not found in the New Testament. This text claims that Mary lived a life of service in the temple after the birth of Jesus and that she remained a virgin throughout her life. However, it does not specify the circumstances of her death.
The claim by Hyppolitus of Thebes that Mary lived for 11 years after the death of her son Jesus and died in 41 AD is not a universally accepted historical fact. Hyppolitus was a Christian writer from the 2nd century, and his writings are considered apocryphal, meaning they are not part of the accepted biblical canon. The dating of Mary's death is speculative and not confirmed by the biblical text or by universally accepted historical evidence.
In the Catholic tradition, the Assumption of Mary is a widely held belief. This doctrine asserts that at the end of her earthly life, Mary was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. The Assumption is celebrated as a holy day of obligation in the Catholic Church, but it is not a dogma required by the Church's definition of faith. It is based on a belief in the exceptional holiness of Mary and a desire to honor her in a special way.
The Eastern Orthodox Church also has a tradition of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Mary), which is similar to the Catholic belief in the Assumption. The Dormition refers to the "falling asleep" of Mary and is celebrated with great reverence. This tradition holds that Mary was taken up into heaven while still alive, although the exact nature of the event is a matter of theological debate.
In Islamic tradition, Mary is highly revered and is considered the only woman named in the Quran. While the Quran does not provide a detailed account of her death, it does honor her as a righteous and pious woman. The Islamic view of Mary's death is generally one of respect and veneration, though the specifics are not elaborated upon.
In conclusion, the Bible does not explicitly describe the death of Mary. The traditions and beliefs surrounding her death are varied and come from different sources, including apocryphal texts, church doctrines, and other religious interpretations. It is important to approach these sources with a critical eye, recognizing that they often reflect the cultural and theological perspectives of their time rather than providing historical facts.

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According to ancient Jewish custom, Mary could have been betrothed at about 12. Hyppolitus of Thebes claims that Mary lived for 11 years after the death of her son Jesus, dying in 41 AD.read more >>