King James Version

What Does Matthew 1:18 Mean?

Matthew 1:18 in the King James Version says “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came togethe... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 1:18 · KJV


Context

16

And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

17

So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

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.

19

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

20

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. conceived: Gr. begotten


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise' introduces the supernatural conception that distinguishes Christ from all other descendants in the genealogy. The discovery that Mary was 'with child of the Holy Ghost' before consummation demonstrates that Jesus' divine nature preceded His human nature, fulfilling Isaiah 7:14.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In Jewish culture, betrothal was legally binding though the couple didn't live together. Discovery of pregnancy during betrothal would normally result in divorce or death by stoning. This context heightens Joseph's dilemma and God's intervention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the virgin birth demonstrate that salvation is God's work, not human effort?
  2. What comfort do you find in knowing God intervened in an impossible situation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Τοῦ1 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 27

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦ3 of 27

of Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ4 of 27

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

5 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γέννησις6 of 27

the birth

G1083

nativity

οὕτως7 of 27

on this wise

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ἦν·8 of 27

was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

Μνηστευθείσης9 of 27

was espoused

G3423

to give a souvenir (betrothal present), i.e., betroth

γὰρ10 of 27

When as

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τῆς11 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μητρὸς12 of 27

mother

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

αὐτοὺς,13 of 27

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Μαρίας14 of 27

Mary

G3137

maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females

τῷ15 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰωσήφ,16 of 27

to Joseph

G2501

joseph, the name of seven israelites

πρὶν17 of 27

before

G4250

before

18 of 27
G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

συνελθεῖν19 of 27

came together

G4905

to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)

αὐτοὺς,20 of 27

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εὑρέθη21 of 27

she was found

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

ἐν22 of 27

with child

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

γαστρὶ23 of 27
G1064

the stomach; by analogy, the matrix; figuratively, a gourmand

ἔχουσα24 of 27
G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἐκ25 of 27

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

Πνεύματος26 of 27

Ghost

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἁγίου27 of 27

the Holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 1:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 1:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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