Matthew 1:19 Meaning and Explanation
“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Joseph, a righteous and merciful man, resolves to end the betrothal quietly rather than expose Mary to shame.
What Does Matthew 1:19 Mean?
Faced with a situation he did not understand, Joseph wrestles with what to do. The law gave him cause to act publicly, yet his righteousness was joined to compassion, and he sought a way to part from Mary without disgracing her.
Here is a quiet portrait of true godliness: justice tempered by mercy. Before he knew anything of the angel's message, Joseph's instinct was to protect rather than to punish, showing the gentle character of the man God had chosen to raise His Son.
Matthew 1:19 in the Original Language
dikaios (δίκαιος), 'just' -- righteous, one who lives rightly before God, here joined with mercy rather than harshness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 1:19
What does Matthew 1:19 mean?
Joseph, a righteous and merciful man, resolves to end the betrothal quietly rather than expose Mary to shame.