Joseph's Reaction to Mary's Pregnancy in Matthew 1
Matthew 1:18-25 - Joseph's Reaction to Mary's Pregnancy
Matthew 1:18-25 describes Joseph's reaction to Mary's pregnancy and the events that unfolded. The passage states that Mary, being betrothed to Joseph, was found to be with child before they came together, and Joseph, being a just man, decided to divorce her quietly [1].
The literary context of this passage is crucial. Matthew 1:1-17 provides a genealogy of Jesus, highlighting his connection to King David and Abraham. The narrative then shifts to the circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth, emphasizing the miraculous nature of his conception. The passage is part of a larger narrative that establishes Jesus' identity as the Messiah [1].
The historical setting of this passage is significant. The betrothal period was a legally binding agreement, and divorce was the typical course of action if a woman was found to be unfaithful [4]. Joseph's decision to divorce Mary quietly suggests that he was trying to protect her from public shame.
The key terms in this passage include "just man" (Matthew 1:19), which has been interpreted in various ways. Some understand it to mean that Joseph was a righteous man who sought to follow the law, while others see it as indicating that he was a compassionate man who did not want to expose Mary to public shame [5, 3].
One of the major exegetical decisions in this passage revolves around the interpretation of "knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son" (Matthew 1:25). The phrase "knew her not" is a euphemism for having carnal knowledge or copulation [6]. Some interpret this to mean that Joseph and Mary did not have sexual relations until after Jesus' birth, while others understand it to mean that they never had sexual relations [2, 6].
The range of interpretations on this passage is diverse. Some traditions, such as the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, interpret Matthew 1:25 to mean that Joseph and Mary remained celibate throughout their marriage, citing the perpetual virginity of Mary [4]. Others, such as some Protestant traditions, understand the passage to suggest that Joseph and Mary had a normal marital relationship after Jesus' birth [2].
In tradition, this passage has been used to inform understandings of Mary's virginity and the nature of Joseph and Mary's marriage. The perpetual virginity of Mary is a doctrine held by some Christian traditions, which is supported by certain interpretations of this passage [4]. The passage has also been used in liturgical contexts, such as in the celebration of the Feast of the Annunciation.
The significance of Joseph's reaction to Mary's pregnancy lies in his willingness to obey God's instructions, as conveyed through the angel, and to accept Mary as his wife despite the unusual circumstances surrounding Jesus' conception. This narrative highlights the importance of faith and obedience in the face of uncertainty and adversity. The passage concludes by stating that Joseph named the child Jesus, thus accepting him as his own [2].
Sources
- Matthew “Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. -- Matthew 1:16”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 1:25: 1:25 Until probably implies that Joseph had sexual relations with Mary after the birth of Jesus. • And Joseph named him Jesus, thus showing his acceptance of the child as his own.”
- Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 1:18: The mystery of Christ's incarnation is to be adored, not pried into. If we know not the way of the Spirit in the formation of common persons, nor how the bones are formed in the womb of any one that is with child (Ecc 11:5), much less do we know how the blessed Jesus was formed in the womb of the blessed virgin. When David admires how he himself was made in secret, and curiously wrought (Psa 139:13-16), perhaps he speaks in the spirit of Christ's incarnation. Some circumstances attending the birth of Christ we find here which are not in Luke, though it is more la”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Third Part (Tertia Pars), Of the Espousals of the Mother of God, Art. 2: Article: Whether there was a true marriage between Mary and Joseph? I answer that, Marriage or wedlock is said to be true by reason of its attaining its perfection. Now perfection of anything is twofold; first, and second. The first perfection of a thing consists in its very form, from which it receives its species; while the second perfection of a thing consists in its operation, by which in some way a thing attains its end. Now the form of matrimony consists in a certain inseparable union of s”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 1:20: But while he thought on these things--Who would not feel for him after receiving such intelligence, and before receiving any light from above? As he brooded over the matter alone, in the stillness of the night, his domestic prospects darkened and his happiness blasted for life, his mind slowly making itself up to the painful step, yet planning how to do it in the way least offensive--at the last extremity the Lord Himself interposes. behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph thou son of David--This style of address was”
- Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 1:25: And knew her not,.... Or "but he knew her not", answering to the Hebrew that is, had carnal knowledge of her, or copulation with her, though his wife. The words are an euphemism, or a modest way of expressing the conjugal act, and is a very ancient one, see Gen 4:1 and what has been used in nations and languages. And this conduct of his was necessary, till she had brought forth her firstborn; that it might be manifest not only that she conceived, being a virgin, but also that she brought forth, being a virgin: for both are signified in the prophecy before related, ”