King James Version

What Does Matthew 1:20 Mean?

Matthew 1:20 in the King James Version says “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou s... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 1:20 · KJV


Context

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

21

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

22

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Joseph is called 'son of David' to emphasize his royal lineage and legal right to pass this heritage to Jesus. The angel's command to 'fear not' addresses Joseph's righteous reluctance to proceed with the marriage. The phrase 'that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost' definitively affirms both Jesus' divine origin and Mary's purity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Dreams were recognized in Jewish tradition as means of divine revelation. Joseph's obedience despite social stigma demonstrates extraordinary faith. His decision would affect his reputation, finances, and standing in Nazareth.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Joseph's immediate obedience teach you about trusting God despite unclear circumstances?
  2. How can you 'fear not' when God's plan disrupts your own expectations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
ταῦτα1 of 31

these things

G5023

these things

δὲ2 of 31

But

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτῇ3 of 31

her

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

ἐνθυμηθέντος4 of 31

thought on

G1760

to be inspirited, i.e., ponder

ἰδού,5 of 31

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἄγγελος6 of 31

the angel

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

Κυρίου7 of 31

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

κατ'8 of 31

in

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὄναρ9 of 31

a dream

G3677

a dream

ἐφάνη10 of 31

appeared

G5316

to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

αὐτῇ11 of 31

her

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

λέγων,12 of 31

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἰωσὴφ13 of 31

Joseph

G2501

joseph, the name of seven israelites

υἱὸς14 of 31

thou son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Δαβίδ,15 of 31

of David

G1138

david, the israelite king

μὴ16 of 31

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

φοβηθῇς17 of 31

fear

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

παραλαβεῖν18 of 31

to take

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

Μαριὰμ19 of 31

Mary

G3137

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

τὴν20 of 31
G3588

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

γυναῖκά21 of 31

thy wife

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

σου·22 of 31

unto thee

G4675

of thee, thy

τὸ23 of 31
G3588

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

γὰρ24 of 31

for

G1063

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

ἐν25 of 31

in

G1722

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

αὐτῇ26 of 31

her

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

γεννηθὲν27 of 31

that which is conceived

G1080

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

ἐκ28 of 31

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

Πνεύματός29 of 31

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

ἐστιν30 of 31

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἁγίου31 of 31

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 1:20 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 1:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study