Matthew 1:18

¶ Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Now {G1161} the birth {G1083} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} was {G2258} on this wise {G3779}: When as {G1063} his {G846} mother {G3384} Mary {G3137} was espoused {G3423} to Joseph {G2501}, before {G4250}{G2228} they {G846} came together {G4905}, she was found {G2147} with child {G1722}{G1064}{G2192} of {G1537} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}.

Here is how the birth of Yeshua the Messiah took place. When his mother Miryam was engaged to Yosef, before they were married, she was found to be pregnant from the Ruach HaKodesh.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.

Commentary

Context

Matthew 1:18 initiates the narrative of Jesus Christ's birth, following the genealogical record. This verse immediately highlights the extraordinary circumstances surrounding His conception. In first-century Jewish society, "espoused" (Greek: mnesteuo) referred to a formal betrothal, a legally binding agreement that was much stronger than a modern engagement. During this period, the couple was considered legally married, though they had not yet begun living together or consummating the marriage. For Mary to be "found with child" before they "came together" would typically imply infidelity, a serious offense under Jewish law that could lead to public disgrace or even stoning, as hinted at in Joseph's subsequent reaction in the following verse.

Key Themes

  • The Virgin Birth of Jesus: This verse unequivocally states that Mary's pregnancy was not through natural means but was "of the Holy Ghost." This foundational doctrine, the virgin birth, underscores Jesus's unique identity as both fully God and fully man, born without the stain of original sin. It fulfills ancient prophecies, such as the one in Isaiah 7:14 predicting a virgin would conceive.
  • The Holy Spirit's Role: The Holy Spirit is presented as the divine agent in the miraculous conception. This highlights God's direct involvement in bringing about the incarnation, emphasizing that Jesus's origin is entirely divine. Luke 1:35 further elaborates on the power of the Highest overshadowing Mary.
  • Jesus's Divine Origin: By stating He was "found with child of the Holy Ghost," Matthew immediately establishes Jesus's supernatural nature, distinguishing His birth from all others. This sets the stage for understanding His mission as the Son of God and the promised Messiah.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's phrase "of the Holy Ghost" translates the Greek ek pneumatos hagiou, meaning "out of the Holy Spirit." This preposition ek signifies origin or source, clearly indicating that the Holy Spirit was the direct cause and origin of Mary's pregnancy. The term "Holy Ghost" is an archaic but accurate translation of pneuma hagion, referring to the third person of the Trinity, the Spirit of God. The word "espoused" comes from the Greek mnesteuo, which denotes the formal, legally binding betrothal period in ancient Jewish culture.

Significance and Application

Matthew 1:18 is foundational to Christian theology, affirming the miraculous and divine nature of Jesus Christ's birth. It challenges human understanding and calls for faith in God's supernatural power. For believers, this verse underscores the truth that Jesus is not merely a great teacher or prophet, but truly God incarnate, the Son of God, whose unique birth paved the way for His sinless life, atoning death, and resurrection. It reminds us that God often works in ways beyond human comprehension, fulfilling His purposes through divine intervention and miraculous means.

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Cross-References

  • Galatians 4:4 (20 votes)

    But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

  • Galatians 4:5 (20 votes)

    To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

  • Luke 1:27 (8 votes)

    To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name [was] Mary.

  • Luke 1:38 (8 votes)

    And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

  • Job 14:4 (7 votes)

    Who can bring a clean [thing] out of an unclean? not one.

  • Hebrews 10:5 (6 votes)

    Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

  • Genesis 3:15 (4 votes)

    And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.