Matthew 1:19

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

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}.

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.

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

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

Matthew 1:19 offers a profound glimpse into the character of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, as he grapples with a deeply personal and culturally sensitive dilemma. This verse highlights his righteousness, compassion, and the societal context of the time.

Context

At this point in the narrative, Mary, Joseph's betrothed, is found to be pregnant before their formal marriage (Matthew 1:18). In ancient Jewish society, betrothal was a legally binding covenant, much stronger than a modern engagement, requiring a formal divorce to dissolve. Joseph, believing Mary had been unfaithful, faced a significant challenge. According to Mosaic Law, suspected adultery during betrothal carried severe penalties, including public disgrace or even stoning, though public shaming and divorce were more common practices in that era.

Key Themes

  • Joseph's Righteousness and Justice: The KJV describes Joseph as a "just man." This signifies that he was not only fair but also upright, righteous, and committed to upholding God's Law. His initial inclination was to dissolve the betrothal, which was the legal and "just" response to what he perceived as Mary's infidelity.
  • Compassion and Mercy: Despite his commitment to justice, Joseph demonstrates remarkable compassion. He was "not willing to make her a publick example." This reveals his merciful heart, as a public divorce would have brought immense shame, disgrace, and severe social consequences upon Mary. His desire to spare her public humiliation shows a profound act of grace.
  • Seeking Privacy: Joseph intended to "put her away privily," meaning to divorce her quietly, without public accusation or fanfare. This act of quiet discretion underscores his gentle and merciful nature, choosing to protect Mary's reputation even while believing she had wronged him. This private intention sets the stage for the divine intervention that would soon clarify the situation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "just" is dikaios (δίκαιος), which denotes someone who is righteous, upright, and conforms to God's will and law. Joseph's character is thus portrayed as one who lives by a high moral and religious standard. His decision to put Mary away "privily" (from the Greek latra - λάθρᾳ) emphasizes his desire for secrecy and discretion, avoiding any form of public exposure or scandal.

Related Scriptures

  • Joseph's dilemma and merciful intention are directly addressed and ultimately superseded by the angel's instruction, revealing the divine nature of Mary's pregnancy, as detailed in Matthew 1:20-21.
  • The concept of a "just" or righteous person is a significant biblical theme, exemplified by figures like Zechariah and Elisabeth, who were described as "righteous before God" in Luke 1:6.
  • The Mosaic Law concerning divorce, which would have informed Joseph's legal framework, can be found in passages such as Deuteronomy 24:1, though Jesus later offered a deeper, more spiritual interpretation of divorce in Matthew 5:31-32.

Practical Application

Joseph's example in Matthew 1:19 provides timeless lessons for believers today. It underscores the importance of balancing adherence to principles of justice with the practice of mercy, even in deeply challenging or perplexing circumstances. His willingness to act with discretion and compassion, rather than strict legalism or public condemnation, reflects a character that aligns with God's own heart. This verse encourages us to extend grace and seek understanding, especially when confronted with situations that are difficult to comprehend, trusting that God's overarching plan often unfolds in unexpected and miraculous ways.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 22:21 (11 votes)

    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 (11 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

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

  • John 8:5 (9 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 24:1 (9 votes)

    ¶ 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 (9 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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.