Matthew 1:25

Context of Matthew 1:25

Matthew 1:25 concludes the significant narrative of Jesus' miraculous conception and birth announcement to Joseph. Prior to this verse, Joseph, a righteous man, discovered Mary's pregnancy and, unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly (Matthew 1:19). However, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, revealing that Mary's pregnancy was by the Holy Ghost and that she would bear a son named Jesus, who would save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:20-21). Joseph's response in Matthew 1:24—his immediate obedience to the angelic instruction—sets the stage for this verse, which details the final steps in the preparation for the Incarnation. This verse also implicitly addresses the virgin conception of Jesus, a cornerstone of Christian doctrine.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Virgin Birth Confirmed: The phrase "knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son" strongly emphasizes Mary's virginity prior to Jesus' birth. The word "knew" (Greek: ginosko) here refers to intimate marital relations. This affirms the unique, supernatural origin of Jesus Christ, conceived by the Holy Spirit, not by human means. While "till" (Greek: heōs hou) might imply a change in their relationship later, its primary function here is to underscore that Mary remained a virgin at the time of Jesus' miraculous birth.
• Joseph's Righteous Obedience: Joseph's action of taking Mary as his wife and yet refraining from sexual relations until Jesus' birth demonstrates his profound obedience to God's specific command and his respect for the sacred nature of Jesus' conception. His role was crucial in providing a legal lineage for Jesus through David, as well as protection and provision.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy and Identity of Jesus: Joseph's act of naming the child "JESUS" directly fulfills the angel's instruction in Matthew 1:21. The name Jesus (Greek: Iēsous, from Hebrew Yeshua) means "The Lord saves" or "Yahweh is salvation," perfectly encapsulating His mission. This naming also connects Him to the prophecy of Immanuel, "God with us", mentioned in Matthew 1:23.
• Jesus as the "Firstborn Son": The term "firstborn son" (Greek: prototokos) signifies that Jesus was Mary's first child. While some traditions interpret this to mean Mary had no other children, the term itself simply designates the first child born to a mother, without necessarily precluding subsequent births (e.g., Matthew 13:55-56 mentions Jesus' brothers and sisters). Its primary significance here is to establish Jesus' unique status as the first, and only, child of the virgin birth.

Linguistic Insights

• The Greek word for "knew" is ginosko (γινώσκω), which in this context specifically denotes sexual intimacy, highlighting the absence of such relations before Jesus' birth.
• "Till" or "until" is heōs hou (ἕως οὗ). This temporal conjunction indicates the duration of Mary's virginity in relation to Jesus' birth, emphasizing a state that existed *up to* that point.
• "Firstborn son" is prototokos (πρωτότοκος). This term was significant in Jewish law and custom, often carrying legal and inheritance implications for the first male child.
• The name "JESUS" is Iēsous (Ἰησοῦς) in Greek, derived from the Hebrew Yeshua (ישוע), meaning "The Lord saves." This name is central to His identity and mission.

Practical Application

Matthew 1:25 offers profound lessons for believers today:

1. Obedience in the Face of the Unconventional: Joseph's willingness to obey God's command, even when it meant defying social norms and personal plans, is a powerful example for us. God's plans often require extraordinary trust and obedience.
2. Trust in God's Perfect Timing: The meticulous way God brought about the birth of His Son, ensuring His divine conception and proper naming, reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances and His timing is perfect.
3. The Uniqueness of Jesus Christ: This verse underscores the unique nature of Jesus—fully God and fully man, born of a virgin. This truth is foundational to understanding His sinless life and His ability to be the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins. It calls us to marvel at the Incarnation and the depth of God's love.