Matthew 1:19

KJV

Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} Joseph {G2501} her {G846} husband {G435}, being {G5607} a just {G1342} man, and {G2532} not {G3361} willing {G2309} to make {G3856} her {G846} a publick example {G3856}, was minded {G1014} to put {G630} her {G846} away {G630} privily {G2977}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Her husband-to-be, Yosef, was a man who did what was right; so he made plans to break the engagement quietly, rather than put her to public shame.

Berean Standard Bible

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly.

American Standard Version

And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 1:19 offers a profound insight into the character of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, revealing his deep righteousness and compassionate nature amidst a deeply challenging and culturally sensitive dilemma. Upon discovering Mary's pregnancy before their formal marriage, Joseph, as a man committed to God's law, faced the legal necessity of dissolving their betrothal. However, driven by mercy and a desire to spare Mary public humiliation and severe societal repercussions, he resolved to divorce her quietly and privately, demonstrating a remarkable balance of justice and grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the revelation of Mary's miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit in [Matthew 1:18](/matthew/1-18 "Matthew 1:18 - The Virgin Conception"). Joseph's reaction, as described in [Matthew 1:19](/matthew/1-19 "Matthew 1:19 - Joseph's Righteousness and Mercy"), sets the stage for the divine intervention that follows, where an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream to clarify Mary's situation and confirm the divine origin of the child ([Matthew 1:20-21](/matthew/1-20-21 "Matthew 1:20-21 - The Angel's Message to Joseph")). Joseph's decision in this verse is crucial because it highlights his integrity and compassion, making his subsequent obedience to the angelic message even more significant. The narrative then progresses to the birth of Jesus and the fulfillment of prophecy ([Matthew 1:22-25](/matthew/1-22-25 "Matthew 1:22-25 - The Birth of Jesus and Prophecy Fulfillment")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, betrothal was far more legally binding than a modern engagement. It was considered the first stage of marriage, requiring a formal divorce to dissolve, akin to an actual marriage. If a betrothed woman was found to be pregnant by another man, it was considered adultery, a grave offense under Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 22:23-24](/deuteronomy/22-23-24 "Deuteronomy 22:23-24 - Law Concerning Adultery During Betrothal")). While the law prescribed stoning for such an offense, by the time of Jesus, public shaming and a formal divorce were more common practices. A public divorce would involve a public accusation and the issuance of a bill of divorce before witnesses, bringing immense shame, disgrace, and severe social and economic consequences upon the woman and her family. Joseph's dilemma was thus not merely personal but deeply embedded in the legal and social fabric of his time.
* **Key Themes:** Joseph's character is central to this verse. His description as a "[just man](/matthew/1-19 "Matthew 1:19 - Joseph's Righteousness")" introduces the theme of **righteousness** – not merely legalistic adherence to the law, but an upright character that seeks to honor God. Coupled with this is the profound theme of **compassion and mercy**. Despite his legal right and societal expectation to expose Mary, Joseph's unwillingness "to make her a publick example" demonstrates a merciful heart, prioritizing her dignity over strict legalism. This act of quiet discretion, intending to "put her away privily," underscores a third theme: **divine providence**. Joseph's merciful intention, though based on a misunderstanding, creates the necessary space for God's miraculous intervention to unfold, highlighting how human choices, even in difficult circumstances, can align with God's greater plan, as seen in the subsequent verses of [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **just (Greek, _díkaios'_):** This term (G1342) describes Joseph as equitable in character and act, implying innocence and holiness. It signifies someone who is righteous, upright, and conforms to God's will and law, not merely in a legalistic sense but in a moral and ethical one. Joseph's "justice" here is not punitive but principled, seeking to do what is right according to the law while also considering the welfare of others.
* **was minded (Greek, _boúlomai'_):** This verb (G1014) indicates Joseph's internal disposition and intention. It reflects a deliberate choice or will, a considered decision made from his own volition rather than external pressure. Unlike _thélō_ (G2309), which can denote a subjective impulse, _boúlomai_ suggests a more reasoned and reflective determination, highlighting Joseph's thoughtful approach to his difficult situation.
* **privily (Greek, _láthra'_):** This adverb (G2977) means "privately" or "secretly." It emphasizes Joseph's desire for discretion and avoidance of public scandal. His intention to act "privily" underscores his compassionate nature, seeking to protect Mary's reputation and spare her the public humiliation and severe consequences that a public divorce would entail.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man],"**: This clause introduces Joseph's character, emphasizing his righteousness and adherence to God's law. As Mary's betrothed, he was legally considered her husband, and his "justness" meant he was bound to respond to her perceived infidelity according to the Mosaic Law, which would typically involve a divorce.
* **"and not willing to make her a publick example,"**: This phrase reveals Joseph's profound compassion. Despite his legal right and societal expectation to expose Mary, he chose not to. "Making her a public example" (from _paradeigmatízō_ G3856) would involve public denouncement and disgrace, potentially leading to severe social ostracism or worse. Joseph's unwillingness to inflict such harm highlights his merciful and gracious spirit.
* **"was minded to put her away privily."**: This final clause describes Joseph's intended course of action. "To put her away" (from _apolýō_ G630) means to divorce. His decision to do so "privily" (secretly, without public accusation or fanfare) underscores his desire to protect Mary from public shame, even while believing she had wronged him. This quiet, discreet intention sets the stage for the divine intervention that would soon reveal the truth.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to portray Joseph's character and the unfolding narrative. **Characterization** is prominent, as the description of Joseph as a "just man" immediately establishes his moral integrity and adherence to divine law. This is juxtaposed with his compassionate decision, creating a nuanced portrait of a man who balances legal righteousness with profound mercy. The phrase "not willing to make her a publick example" functions as a form of **Euphemism**, gently conveying the severe consequences Mary would have faced without explicitly detailing them, thus emphasizing Joseph's protective intent. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly preparing the reader for the divine intervention that is about to occur. Joseph's quiet, merciful decision creates the necessary narrative space for God's miraculous plan to unfold without immediate public scandal, hinting at the extraordinary nature of Mary's pregnancy and the divine hand at work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 1:19 beautifully illustrates the tension and harmony between divine justice and divine mercy, mirrored in Joseph's character. Joseph, being "just," recognized the legal implications of Mary's perceived situation according to God's law. Yet, his unwillingness to publicly disgrace her demonstrates a profound act of grace and compassion, echoing God's own character, who is both perfectly just and infinitely merciful. This verse reminds us that true righteousness is not merely adherence to rules but is infused with love, discretion, and a desire to preserve dignity, even when wronged. It highlights God's providential care, using Joseph's quiet, merciful intention as a means to protect the purity and sacredness of the Incarnation before its divine truth was revealed.

* [Matthew 1:20-21](/matthew/1-20-21 "Matthew 1:20-21 - The Angel's Revelation to Joseph"): Joseph's merciful intention is immediately followed by divine intervention, confirming the miraculous nature of Mary's pregnancy and validating his compassionate approach.
* [Luke 1:6](/luke/1-6 "Luke 1:6 - Zechariah and Elisabeth's Righteousness"): This verse describes Zechariah and Elisabeth as "righteous before God," paralleling Joseph's "just" character and emphasizing a life lived in obedience and devotion to God.
* [James 2:13](/james/2-13 "James 2:13 - Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment"): This New Testament principle encapsulates the spirit of Joseph's action, where his mercy ultimately triumphs over the strict judgment that could have been applied.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's response in Matthew 1:19 offers a profound model for believers navigating complex and challenging relationships or situations. His character demonstrates the vital importance of balancing adherence to principles of truth and justice with the practice of profound mercy and grace. In a world quick to condemn, expose, and shame, Joseph's quiet discretion and desire to protect Mary's dignity, even when he believed she had committed a grave offense, stands as a powerful testament to a Christ-like character. This verse encourages us to cultivate a heart that seeks to understand, to extend grace, and to act with compassion, especially when faced with circumstances that are difficult to comprehend or that challenge our expectations. It reminds us that God often works in unexpected ways, and our merciful responses can create space for His divine plan to unfold, even when we don't fully grasp the bigger picture.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I balance my commitment to truth and justice with a spirit of mercy and compassion in my relationships?**
* **In what situations am I tempted to "make a public example" of someone, and how can Joseph's discretion challenge that impulse?**
* **How does Joseph's trust in God's unfolding plan, even amidst confusion, encourage me to trust God in my own perplexing circumstances?**
* **What does it mean to be a "just" person in a way that reflects God's character, encompassing both righteousness and mercy?**

### FAQ
**Why was Joseph described as a "just man" if he intended to divorce Mary?**

Answer: In the context of first-century Jewish law, being a "just man" (Greek: _díkaios_) meant adhering to God's commandments and the Mosaic Law. According to the law, if a betrothed woman was found to be pregnant by someone other than her fiancé, it was considered adultery, and the betrothal had to be dissolved. Joseph's intention to divorce Mary was, therefore, the legally "just" and righteous action given his understanding of the situation. However, his "justice" was tempered with mercy, as he sought to do so privately rather than publicly expose her, which would have been equally "just" in a legal sense but far more severe in its consequences. This demonstrates that his righteousness was not merely legalistic but also compassionate, reflecting a deeper understanding of God's heart.

**What does it mean that Joseph was "not willing to make her a publick example"?**

Answer: To "make her a publick example" (Greek: _paradeigmatízō_) means to expose her to public shame, disgrace, or infamy. Under Jewish law, a woman accused of adultery during betrothal could face severe penalties, including public stoning or at least a public divorce that would ruin her reputation and future prospects. Joseph, despite his belief that Mary had been unfaithful, chose not to pursue such a course. His unwillingness to publicly humiliate her demonstrates his profound compassion, mercy, and desire to protect her dignity, even at potential personal cost or misunderstanding from others. This decision highlights his noble character and sets him apart from a purely legalistic approach.

**Why did Joseph intend to "put her away privily"?**

Answer: Joseph intended to "put her away" (divorce her) "privily" (secretly or privately) to spare Mary from public shame and the severe social consequences of a public divorce. A private divorce would involve a simple written declaration of divorce, perhaps witnessed by only a few individuals, rather than a public accusation before the community. This act of discretion underscores Joseph's gentle and merciful nature. He sought to fulfill the legal requirement of dissolving the betrothal while simultaneously extending grace and protection to Mary, demonstrating a balance of justice and compassion that prepared him for God's subsequent revelation of the miraculous nature of Mary's pregnancy, as described in [Matthew 1:20-21](/matthew/1-20-21 "Matthew 1:20-21 - The Angel's Message to Joseph").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's righteous and merciful character, so vividly portrayed in [Matthew 1:19](/matthew/1-19 "Matthew 1:19 - Joseph's Righteousness and Mercy"), beautifully foreshadows the ultimate justice and mercy found in Jesus Christ. Joseph, a "just man," sought to uphold the law while simultaneously demonstrating profound compassion, choosing to cover Mary's perceived transgression with grace rather than expose her. This mirrors God's own character, who, being perfectly just, could not overlook sin, yet in His infinite mercy, provided a way for humanity's sin to be covered through the sacrifice of His Son. Just as Joseph quietly protected Mary and the unborn Christ from public scandal, Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), quietly and humbly entered the world to bear the public shame and punishment for our sins, offering a private, personal redemption to all who believe. Joseph's obedience to God's will, even when it meant personal sacrifice and potential misunderstanding, reflects Christ's ultimate obedience to His Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Through Joseph's actions, we see a glimpse of the divine heart that would ultimately bring salvation not through public condemnation, but through a quiet, sacrificial act of love that covers a multitude of sins ([1 Peter 4:8](/1_peter/4-8 "1 Peter 4:8 - Love Covers a Multitude of Sins")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 22:21

Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you.

Deuteronomy 22:24

Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, [being] in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.

John 8:4

They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

John 8:5

Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

Deuteronomy 24:1

¶ When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give [it] in her hand, and send her out of his house.

Deuteronomy 24:4

Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that [is] abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance.

Luke 2:25

¶ And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.