Matthew 1:24

KJV

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} Joseph {G2501} being raised {G1326} from {G575} sleep {G5258} did {G4160} as {G5613} the angel {G32} of the Lord {G2962} had bidden {G4367} him {G846}, and {G2532} took {G3880} unto him {G846} his wife {G1135}:

Complete Jewish Bible

When Yosef awoke he did what the angel of ADONAI had told him to do -- he took Miryam home to be his wife,

Berean Standard Bible

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and embraced Mary as his wife.

American Standard Version

And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 1:24 encapsulates Joseph's immediate and faithful obedience to the divine revelation he received in a dream. Upon waking, he promptly acted according to the angel's command, taking Mary, his betrothed, as his wife, thereby affirming his role in God's miraculous plan for the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, despite the social implications and personal challenges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate resolution to the narrative tension established in the preceding verses. [Matthew 1:18](/matthew/1-18 "Matthew 1:18 - Mary's Pregnancy") introduces Mary's miraculous pregnancy, while [Matthew 1:19](/matthew/1-19 "Matthew 1:19 - Joseph's Dilemma") highlights Joseph's righteous dilemma: how to deal with his betrothed's unexpected condition without shaming her publicly. The angelic visitation in [Matthew 1:20-23](/matthew/1-20-23 "Matthew 1:20-23 - The Angel's Message to Joseph") provides the divine explanation and command, revealing that Mary's child is conceived by the Holy Spirit and is the promised Messiah, Jesus. [Matthew 1:24](/matthew/1-24 "Matthew 1:24 - Joseph's Obedience") then depicts Joseph's swift and obedient response, demonstrating his acceptance of God's will and his pivotal role in the unfolding redemptive history. This act of obedience sets the stage for the birth of Jesus and validates Mary's integrity within the narrative.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Jewish society, betrothal was a legally binding agreement, almost as serious as marriage itself, requiring a formal divorce for dissolution. A betrothed woman found to be pregnant by another man would be considered an adulteress, potentially facing public disgrace, stoning, or at least a formal divorce. Joseph, described as a "just man" ([Matthew 1:19](/matthew/1-19 "Matthew 1:19 - Joseph's Righteousness")), initially intended to divorce Mary quietly, demonstrating both his adherence to the Law and his compassion. The angel's instruction to "take unto him his wife" directly challenged these deeply ingrained social norms and legal expectations, demanding an extraordinary act of faith and public affirmation of a situation that appeared scandalous. Joseph's obedience thus carried significant social and reputational risk, underscoring the depth of his trust in God's word over societal pressure.

* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 1:24](/matthew/1-24 "Matthew 1:24 - Joseph's Obedience") significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance**, as God actively intervenes through an angel to orchestrate the circumstances surrounding His Son's birth, guiding Joseph's actions. Secondly, it exemplifies **Obedience to God's Will**, showcasing Joseph's immediate and unquestioning submission to a divine command that defied human logic and societal expectation, paralleling the obedience of other biblical figures. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Righteousness by Faith**, as Joseph's "just" character, initially revealed in [Matthew 1:19](/matthew/1-19 "Matthew 1:19 - Joseph's Character"), is further demonstrated not merely by adherence to the Law, but by profound trust and action based on divine revelation. Finally, it subtly underscores the theme of **God's Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Joseph's acceptance of Mary and Jesus aligns with the prophetic declarations about the Messiah's lineage and miraculous birth, as hinted at in [Matthew 1:22-23](/matthew/1-22-23 "Matthew 1:22-23 - Prophecy of Immanuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **raised (Greek, _diegeírō_):** This word, meaning "to wake fully" or "arouse," emphasizes the completeness of Joseph's awakening from sleep. It suggests not merely a physical stirring, but a readiness of mind and spirit to act upon the divine message received in the dream. His awakening is purposeful, directly preceding his obedient action.
* **did (Greek, _poiéō_):** A very broad verb meaning "to make or do," here it signifies Joseph's active, decisive, and immediate execution of the angel's instructions. It highlights the practical, tangible nature of his obedience, translating divine revelation into concrete action, rather than mere contemplation or delay.
* **took (Greek, _paralambánō_):** Meaning "to receive near" or "associate with oneself," this term carries significant relational weight. It implies Joseph's full acceptance of Mary into his household as his legitimate wife, embracing her and the child she carried. This act was a public declaration of his commitment and a formal acknowledgment of the divine nature of her pregnancy, despite societal scrutiny.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Joseph being raised from sleep":** This clause establishes the immediate aftermath of the angelic dream. Joseph's awakening is not merely physical but signifies a spiritual and mental readiness to respond to the divine message. The transition from sleep to action is swift, indicating the profound impact and clarity of the angelic command.
* **"did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him":** This is the core of Joseph's obedience. "Did as" (Greek: _poiéō hōs_) denotes a precise and complete adherence to the instruction. The phrase "had bidden him" (Greek: _prostássō_) implies an authoritative command, not a suggestion. Joseph's response is one of immediate and unquestioning submission to God's messenger, demonstrating profound faith and trust in the divine origin of the message, even when it contradicted his initial, righteous plans.
* **"and took unto him his wife":** This final clause describes the specific action Joseph performed. "Took unto him" (Greek: _paralambánō_) signifies a formal and public act of receiving Mary into his home as his legitimate wife. This was a crucial step, not only validating Mary's status but also formally establishing Joseph's legal paternity over Jesus, thus ensuring Jesus' place in the Davidic lineage, which was essential for Messiahship. This act of taking her as his wife, despite her pregnancy, was a public declaration of his belief in the angel's words and his commitment to God's plan.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [Matthew 1:24](/matthew/1-24 "Matthew 1:24 - Joseph's Obedience") employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The primary device is **Narrative Resolution**, where Joseph's action provides a swift and decisive conclusion to the internal conflict and external dilemma presented in the preceding verses concerning Mary's pregnancy. This immediate resolution highlights the power and authority of divine revelation. There is also a strong element of **Characterization through Action**, as Joseph's obedience defines him not just as a "just man" ([Matthew 1:19](/matthew/1-19 "Matthew 1:19 - Joseph's Righteousness")), but as one who actively trusts and submits to God's will even when it is counter-cultural or personally challenging. The **Juxtaposition** between Joseph's initial intention to quietly divorce Mary and his subsequent public acceptance of her underscores the transformative power of God's intervention. Finally, the simple, direct language used to describe Joseph's action ("did as," "took unto him") contributes to a sense of **Verisimilitude** and emphasizes the straightforward nature of true faith and obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joseph's obedience in [Matthew 1:24](/matthew/1-24 "Matthew 1:24 - Joseph's Obedience") is a profound theological statement on the nature of faith and divine calling. It underscores that true righteousness extends beyond legalistic adherence to the Law, encompassing a humble and immediate submission to God's revealed will, even when it demands personal sacrifice or defies societal norms. This act of faith by Joseph, a seemingly ordinary man, becomes a pivotal moment in salvation history, enabling the legitimate birth and upbringing of Jesus within the lineage of David. It demonstrates God's method of working through willing human agents to accomplish His redemptive purposes, often in ways that are miraculous and unexpected. Joseph's response sets a precedent for how believers are called to respond to God's voice – with trust, courage, and prompt obedience.

* [Genesis 12:4](/genesis/12-4 "Genesis 12:4 - Abraham's Obedience")
* [Luke 1:38](/luke/1-38 "Luke 1:38 - Mary's Submission")
* [Hebrews 11:8](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8 - Abraham's Faith and Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joseph's immediate and unwavering response in [Matthew 1:24](/matthew/1-24 "Matthew 1:24 - Joseph's Obedience") provides a powerful model for contemporary believers. In a world that often prioritizes personal comfort, social acceptance, or logical understanding, Joseph's obedience to a divinely revealed truth, despite its scandalous implications, challenges us to re-evaluate our own priorities. His willingness to set aside his own plans and reputation for God's greater purpose calls us to consider how readily we submit to God's guidance, especially when it leads us down unconventional or difficult paths. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of listening for God's voice and acting decisively upon it, trusting that His wisdom far surpasses our own, and that His plans are always for our ultimate good and His glory. Joseph's quiet faithfulness reminds us that profound impact often comes not through grandstanding, but through humble, consistent obedience to the Lord in the ordinary moments of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be asking for immediate obedience, even if it seems illogical or challenging?**
* **How does Joseph's willingness to risk social standing for divine truth challenge your own priorities regarding reputation versus God's will?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's plan, even when circumstances are confusing or difficult?**

### FAQ
**Why was Joseph's obedience so crucial to the Christmas story?**

Answer: Joseph's obedience was absolutely crucial because it ensured the legitimate and honorable birth of Jesus within the established legal and social framework of the time. Without his acceptance of Mary as his wife, despite her miraculous pregnancy, Jesus would have been born into a scandalous situation, potentially undermining His legitimacy as the Messiah and His rightful place in the Davidic lineage. Joseph's act of taking Mary "unto him his wife" ([Matthew 1:24](/matthew/1-24 "Matthew 1:24 - Joseph's Obedience")) publicly affirmed Mary's purity and provided Jesus with a legal father, protecting both mother and child and fulfilling the prophecies concerning the Messiah's lineage through David, as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). His faith and obedience were integral to God's meticulously planned incarnation.

**What does Joseph's action teach us about responding to divine revelation?**

Answer: Joseph's action in [Matthew 1:24](/matthew/1-24 "Matthew 1:24 - Joseph's Obedience") teaches us several key lessons about responding to divine revelation. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of **immediate obedience**. Joseph did not hesitate or debate; he "did as the angel... had bidden him" upon waking. Secondly, it highlights **faith over logic or social pressure**. Joseph chose to believe a supernatural explanation that defied human understanding and risked societal scorn. Thirdly, it demonstrates **humility and self-sacrifice**. He set aside his own reputation and initial righteous inclination ([Matthew 1:19](/matthew/1-19 "Matthew 1:19 - Joseph's Righteousness")) to align with God's greater purpose. His response is a model for all believers to trust God's word completely and act upon it without delay, even when it requires personal cost.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Matthew 1:24](/matthew/1-24 "Matthew 1:24 - Joseph's Obedience") focuses on Joseph's pivotal act of obedience, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how Joseph's faithfulness facilitates the arrival of the One who perfectly embodies obedience: Jesus Christ. Joseph's "did as the angel... had bidden him" foreshadows the Son's ultimate submission to the Father's will, even unto death on a cross, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation"). Joseph's act of taking Mary as his wife, thereby providing Jesus with a legal lineage and a family, directly contributes to the Incarnation, the moment God became flesh to dwell among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Joseph’s quiet, yet profound, obedience paved the way for the Lamb of God, who came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Thus, Joseph's faithful response is not merely a historical detail but an essential thread in the tapestry of God's redemptive plan, enabling the very presence of the Savior who would perfectly fulfill all righteousness and bring salvation to 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

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

James 2:21

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

James 2:26

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Exodus 40:27

And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Hebrews 11:7

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Hebrews 11:8

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

John 2:5

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].