Matthew 1:25

KJV

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} knew {G1097} her {G846} not {G3756} till {G2193}{G3739} she had brought forth {G5088} her {G846} firstborn {G4416} son {G5207}: and {G2532} he called {G2564} his {G846} name {G3686} JESUS {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but he did not have sexual relations with her until she had given birth to a son, and he named him Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.

American Standard Version

and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 1:25 brings to a close the foundational narrative of Jesus' miraculous conception and birth, highlighting Joseph's righteous obedience and the unique circumstances surrounding the Incarnation. It affirms Mary's virginity prior to Jesus' birth and records Joseph's fulfillment of the divine command to name the child "JESUS," a name laden with salvific meaning that encapsulates His ultimate mission. This verse solidifies the divine origin and identity of the Messiah, setting the stage for His life and ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 1:25 serves as the climactic conclusion to the account of Jesus' miraculous conception and birth announcement to Joseph. The preceding verses detail Joseph's initial distress upon discovering Mary's pregnancy, his righteous intention to divorce her quietly ([Matthew 1:19](/matthew/1-19 "Matthew 1:19 - Joseph's Righteous Character")). This is dramatically interrupted by an angelic visitation in a dream, where Joseph is informed that Mary's pregnancy is by the Holy Spirit and that she will bear a son named Jesus, who "shall save his people from their sins" ([Matthew 1:20-21](/matthew/1-20-21 "Matthew 1:20-21 - The Angel's Message to Joseph")). The angel's message also explicitly connects this birth to the prophecy of Immanuel from Isaiah 7:14 ([Matthew 1:22-23](/matthew/1-22-23 "Matthew 1:22-23 - Prophecy of Immanuel Fulfilled")). Joseph's immediate and faithful obedience to the angelic instruction, taking Mary as his wife, is recorded in [Matthew 1:24](/matthew/1-24 "Matthew 1:24 - Joseph's Obedience"), directly preceding and leading into the actions described in verse 25. This verse thus completes the narrative of Jesus' unique entry into human history, emphasizing the divine orchestration of His birth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, betrothal was a legally binding agreement, far more serious than a modern engagement. It could only be dissolved by a formal divorce, and infidelity during this period was considered adultery, punishable by stoning. Joseph's decision to "put her away privily" ([Matthew 1:19](/matthew/1-19 "Matthew 1:19 - Joseph's Compassion")) demonstrates his compassionate righteousness, seeking to protect Mary from public disgrace. The act of a father naming his child was a significant cultural and legal prerogative, often reflecting the child's identity, destiny, or a prophetic meaning. The term "firstborn son" (prōtótokos) was also culturally significant, conferring certain legal rights and responsibilities in Jewish law, including a double portion of inheritance and the requirement of redemption (e.g., [Exodus 13:2](/exodus/13-2 "Exodus 13:2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")). The emphasis on Mary's virginity "till" the birth would have been crucial in a culture where lineage and purity were highly valued, affirming the supernatural nature of Jesus' conception against any human suspicion.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 1:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Central is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous orchestration of events to bring about the Incarnation precisely as prophesied. Joseph's **Obedience to God's Will** is a prominent theme, as his actions exemplify faithful submission even in the face of perplexing circumstances, providing a model for discipleship. The verse strongly affirms the **Virgin Birth of Jesus**, a foundational doctrine that underscores His unique divine-human nature, conceived by the Holy Spirit rather than by human means, as hinted at in [Matthew 1:18](/matthew/1-18 "Matthew 1:18 - The Conception of Jesus"). Finally, the naming of Jesus emphasizes His **Identity and Mission as Savior**, directly fulfilling the angelic declaration in [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People"), where His name signifies "Yahweh saves." This theme of salvation runs throughout Matthew, culminating in Jesus' atoning work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb, G1097, refers to "know" in a deep, intimate sense, often used in biblical contexts to denote sexual relations (e.g., [Genesis 4:1 KJV](/genesis/4-1 "Genesis 4:1 - Adam Knew Eve")). In Matthew 1:25, its use emphatically states that Joseph and Mary did not engage in marital relations prior to Jesus' birth, thereby affirming Mary's virginity during the conception and gestation of Jesus. This is crucial for establishing the supernatural origin of Christ.
* **firstborn (Greek, _prōtótokos'_):** The term G4416 signifies the "first-born" child. While it carries legal and cultural significance in Jewish tradition for the first male child, in this context, its primary function is chronological. It designates Jesus as the first child born to Mary, confirming the completion of the virgin birth and setting the stage for His unique status as the first, and only, child conceived by the Holy Spirit. It does not inherently preclude Mary having other children afterwards, but rather highlights Jesus' initial position.
* **JESUS (Greek, _Iēsoûs'_):** This name, G2424, is of Hebrew origin (Yeshua/Yehoshua), meaning "Yahweh saves" or "The Lord is salvation." Joseph's act of naming the child "JESUS" directly fulfills the angelic command in [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - The Angel's Command to Name Jesus"), underscoring the child's divine mission to deliver humanity from sin. The name itself is a theological statement, encapsulating the very purpose of the Incarnation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And knew her not":** This clause directly addresses Joseph's relationship with Mary, stating definitively that they did not consummate their marriage. The Greek verb "knew" (ginṓskō) in this context is a euphemism for sexual intimacy, emphasizing Mary's continued virginity during her pregnancy. This is a critical theological statement affirming the supernatural conception of Jesus, distinct from human procreation.
* **"till she had brought forth her firstborn son":** The temporal conjunction "till" (héōs) indicates the duration of Joseph's abstinence, specifying that it continued up to the point of Jesus' birth. The phrase "brought forth her firstborn son" marks the completion of the miraculous birth. The designation "firstborn son" (prōtótokos) identifies Jesus as Mary's initial offspring, signifying His unique position as the first child born to her, and the one conceived by the Holy Spirit.
* **"and he called his name JESUS":** This final clause highlights Joseph's decisive act of obedience. By formally naming the child "JESUS," Joseph fulfills the direct command given to him by the angel in [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - The Angel's Command to Name Jesus"). This act not only provides Jesus with a legal lineage and identity within Jewish society but also publicly affirms His divine mission as "Yahweh saves," underscoring the salvific purpose of His arrival.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 1:25 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. **Narrative Economy** is evident in the concise yet impactful phrasing, quickly moving from Joseph's obedience to the birth and naming of Jesus, without dwelling on the details of the birth itself. The phrase "knew her not till" functions as a powerful **Emphasis** on Mary's virginity at the time of Jesus' conception and birth, a theological cornerstone. This precise temporal marker serves to underscore the unique, supernatural nature of Jesus' origin. The verse also implicitly uses **Fulfillment Language**, bringing to a close the prophetic pronouncements made earlier in the chapter regarding Immanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Prophecy of Immanuel")). Finally, the entire verse functions as a **Theological Statement**, succinctly summarizing the miraculous circumstances of Jesus' entry into the world and His divinely appointed identity and mission as Savior.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 1:25 is a cornerstone for understanding the Incarnation, affirming the unique nature of Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully man. Joseph's actions underscore the divine orchestration of salvation history, where human obedience aligns with God's perfect plan. The "till" clause, while often debated regarding Mary's later virginity, unequivocally establishes the virgin birth of Jesus, a theological necessity for His sinless nature and His ability to be the perfect sacrifice for humanity. The naming of Jesus, meaning "Yahweh saves," is theologically profound, immediately declaring His ultimate purpose and identity as the promised Messiah who would deliver His people from their sins. This verse thus serves as a foundational declaration of Christ's identity and salvific mission from the very outset of Matthew's Gospel.

* [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - Prophecy of Immanuel")
* [Luke 1:34-35](/luke/1-34-35 "Luke 1:34-35 - The Annunciation to Mary")
* [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 1:25 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, inviting us to reflect on the nature of faith, obedience, and the miraculous. Joseph's quiet, yet profound, obedience in the face of societal scandal and personal perplexity serves as a powerful example. He chose to trust God's unconventional plan over his own understanding or cultural expectations, demonstrating that true righteousness often involves humble submission to divine revelation. This challenges us to consider where God might be calling us to step out in faith, even when His path seems counter-intuitive or demands personal sacrifice. The meticulous way God brought about the birth of His Son, ensuring His divine conception and proper naming, reminds us of God's perfect sovereignty and timing in all circumstances. We are called to cultivate a deep trust in His unfailing plan, even when the details are not fully clear. Furthermore, this verse compels us to marvel at the unique person of Jesus Christ—fully God and fully man, born of a virgin—a truth foundational to His sinless life and His ability to be the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins. It calls us to worship the God who condescended to enter human history in such a miraculous and humble way, all for our salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's obedience to God's seemingly unconventional plan challenge your own willingness to trust and obey God in difficult or perplexing situations?**
* **What does the phrase "knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son" reveal about the unique nature of Jesus' birth, and how does this truth deepen your understanding of His identity?**
* **Considering that "JESUS" means "Yahweh saves," how does this name inform your understanding of Christ's mission and your personal need for His salvation?**

### FAQ

**Did Mary have other children after Jesus?**

Answer: Matthew 1:25 states that Joseph "knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son." The word "till" (Greek: *héōs*) indicates that the state of not knowing (i.e., not having sexual relations) continued up to the point of Jesus' birth. While this clause strongly affirms Mary's virginity *before* and *during* Jesus' conception and birth, it does not definitively preclude the possibility of marital relations *after* Jesus' birth. The term "firstborn" (Greek: *prōtótokos*) simply means the first child born to a mother and does not inherently imply that there were no subsequent children. The New Testament itself refers to Jesus having "brothers" and "sisters" on multiple occasions (e.g., [Matthew 13:55-56](/matthew/13-55-56 "Matthew 13:55-56 - Jesus' Brothers and Sisters"), [Mark 6:3](/mark/6-3 "Mark 6:3 - Jesus' Kin"), [Galatians 1:19](/galatians/1-19 "Galatians 1:19 - James, the Lord's Brother")). While some theological traditions interpret these references as referring to cousins or step-siblings, the most straightforward reading of the Greek text, especially in light of the "till" and "firstborn" clauses, suggests that Mary and Joseph likely had other children after Jesus. The crucial theological point of Matthew 1:25 is the confirmation of Jesus' unique virgin birth, establishing His divine origin.

**Why was it important for Joseph to name Jesus?**

Answer: Joseph's act of naming Jesus was profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated his **obedience to God's direct command**. The angel explicitly instructed Joseph to "call his name JESUS" ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - The Angel's Command to Name Jesus")). Joseph's faithful compliance underscored his role in God's plan. Secondly, by naming Jesus, Joseph formally **acknowledged Jesus as his legal son**, even though he was not His biological father. This was crucial for establishing Jesus' legal lineage through Joseph back to King David ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's Davidic descent. In Jewish culture, the father's naming of the child conferred legal identity and rights. Thirdly, the name "JESUS" itself (meaning "Yahweh saves") was integral to the child's **identity and mission**. Joseph's act of naming publicly declared Jesus' purpose as the Savior who would "save his people from their sins" ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")), aligning His very name with His divine destiny.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 1:25 is a pivotal verse in the Christ-centered narrative, directly pointing to the unique person and salvific work of Jesus. The affirmation of Mary's virginity until Jesus' birth underscores the miraculous, supernatural nature of His conception, essential for His sinless humanity. Unlike all other humans, Jesus did not inherit a sin nature, as He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, not through the ordinary course of human procreation. This divine origin is foundational to His role as the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God, capable of bearing the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, Joseph's act of naming Him "JESUS"—meaning "Yahweh saves"—is a direct fulfillment of the angelic prophecy and encapsulates the very essence of the gospel. It declares that the child born of Mary is none other than the promised Messiah, the Lord Himself, come to deliver humanity from the bondage of sin and death. This name foreshadows His entire life's work, culminating in His atoning death and resurrection, through which He accomplished the salvation His name proclaims. Thus, Matthew 1:25 is not merely a historical record but a profound theological statement, revealing Jesus as the divinely appointed Savior, uniquely qualified to reconcile humanity to God through His perfect life and sacrificial death ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest"); [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). His humble entry into the world, as described here, sets the stage for His ultimate exaltation, where "every knee should bow... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Exaltation of Christ")).

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

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Exodus 13:2

Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, [both] of man and of beast: it [is] mine.

Luke 2:21

¶ And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:7

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Exodus 22:29

Thou shalt not delay [to offer] the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.

Romans 8:29

¶ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.