Keraia
Matthew 1

Matthew 1:18

The Birth of Jesus · Matthew 1:18–25
Read Matthew 1

Translations

Modern
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was thus: His mother Mary, having been betrothed to Joseph, before their coming together was found having in womb from the Holy Spirit.
Latin
Christi autem generatio sic erat: cum esset desponsata mater ejus Maria Joseph, antequam convenirent inventa est in utero habens de Spiritu Sancto.

Original

Greek
English
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

Notes

Matthew 1:18

  • Jesus Christ (literally Jesus the Christ): Christ is not a personal name. Christ is a title that means "Messiah" or "God's chosen one."

  • pledged in marriage: In Judaism, engagement (or betrothal) was a permanent relationship (Malachi 2:14). It could only end through legal action. So, by law, Mary was Joseph’s wife and he was her husband (see Matthew 1:20; Deuteronomy 22:23–24). This was true even though they had not had sexual relations. Since Mary was a virgin when the Holy Spirit conceived Jesus, it proves Jesus’ divine nature.

Matthew 1:1–2:23

This story shows how certain parts of the life of Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. This includes:

  • his family history and birth (chapter 1), and

  • the places he lived as a child (chapter 2).

The story also shows how efforts to stop the plan of God do not work (2:1–15; see also 27:62–66).

Events

Parallels

Isaiah 7:10–16 Luke 2:1–7

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world Joseph: Husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus Mary: Mother of Jesus; wife of Joseph

Glossary

Annunciation Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Genealogy Genealogy of Jesus Christ Gospel of Matthew Holiness Joseph Marriage, Marriage Customs Mary Ruth, Book of Spirit of God Virgin Virgin Birth of Jesus

Topics

Betrothal: A Quasi-Marriage Conception: Miraculous: Mary Faith: Joseph, in Obeying the Vision About Mary and to Flee Into Egypt Holy Spirit: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: An Angel Appears to Joseph Concerning Mary (At Nazareth) Jesus, the Christ: Incarnation of Joseph: Husband of Mary Marriage: Betrothal a Quasi-Marriage Marriage: The Jews: Betrothed Themselves some Time Before Miracles: Catalogue of The Incarnation of Jesus The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Conception in the Virgin's Womb The Power of a Woman Trinity: The Holy