Matthew 1:20

KJV

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} while he {G846} thought on {G1760} these things {G5023}, behold {G2400}, the angel {G32} of the Lord {G2962} appeared {G5316} unto him {G846} in {G2596} a dream {G3677}, saying {G3004}, Joseph {G2501}, thou son {G5207} of David {G1138}, fear {G5399} not {G3361} to take {G3880} unto thee {G4675} Mary {G3137} thy wife {G1135}: for {G1063} that which is conceived {G1080} in {G1722} her {G846} is {G2076} of {G1537} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But while he was thinking about this, an angel of ADONAI appeared to him in a dream and said, "Yosef, son of David, do not be afraid to take Miryam home with you as your wife; for what has been conceived in her is from the Ruach HaKodesh.

Berean Standard Bible

But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

American Standard Version

But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 1:20 marks a pivotal moment in the Christmas narrative, where divine intervention clarifies the miraculous conception of Jesus to Joseph. Grappling with the discovery of Mary's pregnancy before their marriage was complete, Joseph, a righteous man, intended to quietly end their betrothal to protect Mary from public disgrace. It was during this period of internal conflict and contemplation that the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, revealing that Mary's pregnancy was not of human origin but a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, thereby calling Joseph to embrace his role in God's extraordinary plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Joseph's initial dilemma and righteous decision to divorce Mary quietly, as described in [Matthew 1:18-19](/matthew/1-18-19 "Matthew 1:18-19 - Joseph's Dilemma"). The narrative flow establishes Joseph's character as a just man who, despite his personal distress, sought to act with compassion. The angelic appearance in [Matthew 1:20](/matthew/1-20 "Matthew 1:20 - Angel Appears to Joseph") serves as God's direct response to Joseph's internal struggle, providing the divine explanation necessary for him to proceed. This revelation then directly leads to Joseph's obedient response in [Matthew 1:24](/matthew/1-24 "Matthew 1:24 - Joseph's Obedience"), where he takes Mary as his wife, thus setting the stage for Jesus' birth and the fulfillment of prophecy mentioned in [Matthew 1:22-23](/matthew/1-22-23 "Matthew 1:22-23 - Prophecy of Immanuel"). The entire opening chapter of [Matthew](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus") emphasizes Jesus' lineage through Joseph back to David and Abraham, underscoring His legitimacy as the promised Messiah.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, betrothal was a legally binding agreement, far more serious than a modern engagement. It was considered the first stage of marriage, requiring a formal divorce for dissolution. If a betrothed woman was found to be pregnant by another man, it was considered adultery, punishable by stoning (Deuteronomy 22:23-24). Joseph's decision to "put her away privily" ([Matthew 1:19](/matthew/1-19 "Matthew 1:19 - Joseph's Righteousness")) highlights his righteousness and compassion, as he sought to avoid public shaming or legal repercussions for Mary. Dreams were a recognized mode of divine communication in the ancient world, particularly in the biblical narrative, as seen with figures like Jacob ([Genesis 28:12](/genesis/28-12 "Genesis 28:12 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel")) and Daniel ([Daniel 7:1](/daniel/7-1 "Daniel 7:1 - Daniel's Dream of Four Beasts")). This cultural understanding would have lent immediate authority to the angel's message for Joseph.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Intervention** and **Guidance**, demonstrating God's active involvement in the unfolding of His redemptive plan, directly communicating with His servants to guide their actions. Secondly, the angel's message provides definitive **Confirmation of the Virgin Birth**, explicitly stating that "that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost," thereby affirming the supernatural origin of Jesus and fulfilling the prophecy of [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of the Virgin Birth"). Thirdly, the address "Joseph, thou son of David" is crucial for establishing **Messianic Lineage**. While Jesus was not Joseph's biological son, Joseph was His legal father, thus connecting Jesus to the royal line of King David and fulfilling the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"), which promised an eternal throne for David's descendant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). This lineage is meticulously traced in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). Finally, the command "fear not" highlights the theme of **Overcoming Fear through Faith**, calling Joseph to trust in God's extraordinary and seemingly impossible plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **thought on (Greek, _enthyméomai'_):** Derived from a compound meaning "to be inspirited," this verb (G1760) describes Joseph's internal process of pondering, deliberating, and weighing the implications of Mary's pregnancy. It indicates a deep, thoughtful consideration of his difficult situation, rather than a hasty reaction. This highlights his character as a man who carefully considered his actions in light of his righteousness.
* **son (Greek, _huiós'_):** This term (G5207) is used here in the vocative "thou son of David," a profound address that immediately places Joseph within the royal lineage promised to King David (G1138). While Joseph is not the biological father of Jesus, his legal paternity is crucial for establishing Jesus' claim to the Davidic throne, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and legitimizing His Messiahship in the eyes of Jewish readers.
* **conceived (Greek, _gennáō'_):** This verb (G1080), typically meaning "to procreate" or "to bear," is used here in the passive voice, indicating that the origin of the conception is not human agency. The subsequent phrase, **of the Holy Ghost (Greek, _ek hágios pneûma'_):** (G1537, G40, G4151) explicitly defines the source. The preposition _ek_ (G1537) denotes origin, emphasizing that the conception is "out of" or "from" the Holy Spirit, signifying a direct, creative, and supernatural act of God, rather than a natural biological process. This underscores the unique divine nature of Jesus' person.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But while he thought on these things":** This phrase sets the scene, emphasizing Joseph's state of deep contemplation and internal struggle regarding Mary's unexpected pregnancy and his intention to divorce her quietly. It highlights his human dilemma and the gravity of his decision.
* **"behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying":** This marks a dramatic divine intervention. The "angel of the Lord" (a common Old Testament designation for a divine messenger, often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ or a special angelic being) communicates directly with Joseph. The mode of communication, "in a dream," signifies a clear, authoritative message from God, bypassing normal human interaction.
* **"Joseph, thou son of David":** This address is profoundly significant. By calling Joseph "son of David," the angel immediately establishes Joseph's royal lineage, which is crucial for linking Jesus (through Joseph's legal fatherhood) to the promised Messianic line. This validates Jesus' claim to the throne of David and fulfills ancient prophecies.
* **"fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife":** This is a direct command and reassurance. The angel addresses Joseph's underlying fear and apprehension about the situation, instructing him not to be afraid to proceed with the marriage. It legitimizes Mary's status as his wife and implicitly affirms her innocence.
* **"for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost":** This is the core revelation of the verse, providing the divine explanation for Mary's pregnancy. It explicitly states that the conception is not by human means but is a miraculous, supernatural act of the Holy Spirit, confirming the virgin birth and establishing Jesus' unique divine origin.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 1:20 employs several significant literary devices. The **Dream Motif** is prominent, serving as a primary means of divine communication throughout Matthew's infancy narrative (appearing again in [Matthew 2:13](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - Angel Warns Joseph to Flee to Egypt"), [Matthew 2:19](/matthew/2-19 "Matthew 2:19 - Angel Directs Joseph to Return"), and [Matthew 2:22](/matthew/2-22 "Matthew 2:22 - Joseph Warned in a Dream to Go to Galilee")). This device underscores God's direct, personal, and authoritative intervention in human affairs. The angel's address, "Joseph, thou son of David," functions as a powerful instance of **Prophecy Fulfillment** and **Allusion**, directly referencing the Davidic Covenant and establishing Jesus' Messianic credentials through Joseph's legal lineage. The phrase "fear not" is a classic angelic **Imperative**, a common biblical trope found in divine encounters, serving to calm human apprehension and prepare the recipient for an extraordinary divine command or revelation. Finally, the entire scene is an example of **Divine Intervention**, where God actively steps into a human dilemma to provide clarity, guidance, and direction, orchestrating events according to His sovereign plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 1:20 is a profound statement on God's sovereignty and His meticulous orchestration of salvation history. It reveals that the birth of Jesus was not a random event but a divinely initiated and supernaturally accomplished miracle, underscoring Jesus' unique identity as both fully God and fully human. The virgin conception by the Holy Spirit emphasizes His divine sonship and sinless nature, while Joseph's legal fatherhood ensures His connection to the promised Davidic line. This passage affirms that God often works in ways that defy human logic and societal expectations, requiring faith and obedience from His people. Joseph's willingness to trust God's extraordinary plan, despite the personal and social implications, serves as a powerful example of humble submission to divine will, demonstrating that God provides clarity and reassurance when His servants are faced with confusion or fear.

* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel")
* [Luke 1:34-35](/luke/1-34-35 "Luke 1:34-35 - Gabriel's Annunciation to Mary")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's experience in Matthew 1:20 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. His initial reaction to Mary's pregnancy—to quietly divorce her—reveals a man of integrity, seeking to do what was right according to the law while also showing compassion. Yet, God's plan transcended human understanding and legalistic interpretations. When confronted with divine revelation, Joseph's immediate and unquestioning obedience, despite the immense social stigma and personal challenges involved, stands as a testament to profound faith. This narrative invites us to consider how we respond when God's will seems to defy our logic, contradict our expectations, or demand a path that appears unconventional or difficult. It reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives, capable of providing clarity in confusion and courage in the face of fear, often through unexpected means. Like Joseph, we are called to trust in God's extraordinary work, even when it requires us to set aside our own understanding and embrace a divine mystery.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when God's perceived will for your life seems to contradict your logical understanding or societal norms?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to hear the angel's command, "fear not," and trust God's extraordinary work, even if it feels overwhelming or unconventional?**
* **What does Joseph's quiet, immediate obedience teach you about the nature of true faith and commitment, especially when faced with personal sacrifice or potential public misunderstanding?**

### FAQ
**Why was Joseph initially planning to divorce Mary?**

Answer: In Jewish custom of the time, betrothal was a legally binding agreement, essentially the first stage of marriage. If a betrothed woman was found to be pregnant by another man, it was considered adultery, a serious offense. Joseph, being a "just man" ([Matthew 1:19](/matthew/1-19 "Matthew 1:19 - Joseph's Righteousness")), knew he could not proceed with the marriage if Mary was pregnant by another. However, his righteousness also extended to compassion; he did not want to expose Mary to public disgrace or legal punishment (which could include stoning), so he intended to "put her away privily," meaning to divorce her quietly without public accusation.

**What is the significance of the angel addressing Joseph as "son of David"?**

Answer: The address "Joseph, thou son of David" is profoundly significant because it directly connects Jesus, through Joseph's legal lineage, to the royal line of King David. This fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies that foretold the Messiah would come from David's house ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"); [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Child Born to Rule")). While Jesus was not Joseph's biological son, Joseph's legal paternity ensured Jesus' rightful claim to the Davidic throne, legitimizing His Messiahship in the eyes of Jewish people and fulfilling the genealogical records presented in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

**What does "of the Holy Ghost" mean for Jesus' conception?**

Answer: The phrase "of the Holy Ghost" (or Holy Spirit) signifies that Jesus' conception was a miraculous, supernatural act of God, not the result of human procreation. It means that Jesus had no earthly father; His origin was entirely divine. This emphasizes Jesus' unique nature as the Son of God, truly God incarnate, and distinguishes His birth from all others. It also highlights His sinless nature, as He was not conceived through the ordinary means of human generation, which carries the stain of original sin ([Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered Through One Man")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 1:20 is profoundly Christ-centered, establishing the unique nature of Jesus' person and mission from His very conception. The angel's declaration that "that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost" is the foundational truth of the Incarnation, revealing Jesus as the divine Son of God who took on human flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). This miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit ensures Jesus' sinless nature, a prerequisite for Him to be the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). Furthermore, the angel's address to Joseph as "son of David" connects Jesus to the royal line, fulfilling the ancient prophecies that the Messiah would be a descendant of David and sit on his throne ([Romans 1:3-4](/romans/1-3-4 "Romans 1:3-4 - Jesus, Son of David and Son of God")). Thus, Jesus is presented as both fully God (conceived by the Spirit) and fully man (through Mary and legally through Joseph's Davidic lineage), uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between God and humanity. The "fear not" command to Joseph foreshadows the peace that Christ Himself would bring, a peace that transcends understanding and overcomes the anxieties of a world alienated from God ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). His very name, Jesus, meaning "Yahweh saves," is revealed in the subsequent verse as He "shall save his people from their sins" ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")), a mission made possible by His unique, Spirit-conceived, sinless humanity.

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

Luke 1:19

And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

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.

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:6

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Joel 2:28

¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Matthew 2:19

¶ But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

Matthew 28:5

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.