Matthew 1:19 kjv

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

Matthew 1:19 nkjv

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

Matthew 1:19 niv

Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

Matthew 1:19 esv

And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

Matthew 1:19 nlt

Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

Matthew 1 verses

Matthew 1 19 Meaning

Matthew 1:19 portrays Joseph as a man of upright character who faced a profound personal crisis. Learning of Mary's unexpected pregnancy before their marriage, and understanding his legal and social obligations, Joseph decided to divorce her quietly. This decision stemmed from his "righteous" nature, which prevented him from publicly disgracing Mary, as Mosaic Law could demand a severe penalty for suspected adultery. Instead of exposing her to potential public shame or stoning, Joseph chose a private, compassionate separation. This verse highlights his piety, compassion, and commitment to justice tempered with mercy, setting the stage for divine intervention to reveal the true miraculous nature of Mary's conception.

Matthew 1 19 Context

Matthew 1:19 is situated immediately after the revelation that Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph, was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit (Mt 1:18). It follows a genealogy establishing Jesus' legal claim to Davidic lineage through Joseph (Mt 1:1-17), highlighting Jesus' credentials as the Messiah. The immediate context shows Joseph facing an agonizing personal and public dilemma. Betrothal was legally binding, almost like marriage, so Mary's pregnancy was seen as presumptive adultery, punishable by death (Deut 22:20-21) or public disgrace (divorce in public). Joseph's action is crucial, demonstrating his character before God's angelic messenger intervenes in the subsequent verses (Mt 1:20-21) to clarify Mary's miraculous conception. This verse underscores the human aspect of the Nativity narrative, focusing on Joseph's moral integrity and the cultural pressures surrounding a challenging divine plan.

Matthew 1 19 Word analysis

• Joseph (Ἰωσὴφ - Iōsēph): The legal, though not biological, father of Jesus. His pivotal role in Matthew's narrative is establishing Jesus' legal lineage to David through Solomon, vital for Messiahship. Matthew portrays him as a responsible, devout, and caring man chosen by God for this unique guardianship.
• Her husband (ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς - ho anēr autēs): "Husband" here refers to a betrothed man, indicating the binding nature of betrothal in Jewish law. While not yet living together, the bond was legally established, making a "divorce" necessary to dissolve it. This term highlights the existing legal relationship and the implications of Mary's pregnancy within that framework.
• Being (ὤν - ōn): A present participle of "to be," indicating Joseph's continuous state or character. It's not a temporary action but an intrinsic quality defining his person.
• A righteous (δίκαιος - dikaios): This Greek word encompasses both "just" and "righteous." In a biblical sense, it denotes not merely adherence to the Law, but living in accordance with God's revealed will and covenant relationship, often involving ethical conduct, compassion, and fairness. Joseph's righteousness meant he would obey the Law, but it also implied his deep ethical sense that prioritized mercy over strict legalistic punitive action, demonstrating the spirit of the Law over its letter. He was ethically sound and pious.
• And unwilling (καὶ μὴ θέλων - kai mē thelōn): "Unwilling" denotes a strong disinclination. It implies an aversion or reluctance based on moral character. He was not inclined to bring public shame upon Mary.
• To expose her (δειγματίσαι - deigmatisai): From "deigmatizō," meaning "to make an example of," "to expose publicly," or "to disgrace." This act would involve publicly declaring Mary's supposed adultery, leading to severe social repercussions, potentially even death by stoning under strict interpretations of the law, or certainly deep humiliation and ostracism.
• Put her away (ἀπολῦσαι - apolysai): To "release" or "divorce." This term indicates a formal dissolution of the betrothal. For Joseph, it was the legally required action to separate from Mary, but he sought to do it with compassion.
• Secretly (λάθρᾳ - lathra): Done without public knowledge or spectacle. Joseph intended to write the required certificate of divorce privately, perhaps before two witnesses, to spare Mary further disgrace. This signifies his compassionate intention, a fulfillment of righteousness that prioritizes mercy.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Her husband, being a righteous man": This phrase immediately establishes Joseph's moral standing. His righteousness is not solely about strict adherence to the letter of the Law but rather a deeper ethical quality, informed by his walk with God, balancing justice with mercy. This portrayal prepares the reader for his unconventional response.
• "and unwilling to expose her": This phrase clarifies the motivation behind his desire to "put her away secretly." Joseph's righteous character made him recoil from publicly disgracing Mary. While the Law might have compelled exposure, his piety extended to a profound compassion, seeking to protect the vulnerable rather than inflict harm, even when justified by societal standards.
• "he decided to put her away secretly": This expresses Joseph's immediate and resolved action. He concluded that divorce was necessary due to Mary's pregnancy but chose the most humane way, circumventing public humiliation. His intention was to follow legal procedure while acting mercifully, a true display of biblical righteousness. This act of compassion is interrupted only by God's divine intervention.

Matthew 1 19 Bonus section

The narrative of Joseph's struggle and his compassionate choice highlights an ongoing tension within legal and moral frameworks: the balance between strict adherence to rules and the application of mercy. Joseph models a "righteousness" that exceeds mere legality, embodying the spirit of the Law which is love. This foreshadows Jesus' own teachings, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount, where He emphasizes a righteousness that goes beyond outward observance to address the heart's true intent (e.g., Mt 5:21-48). Joseph's actions indirectly prefigure the nature of divine justice, which is simultaneously perfectly just and infinitely merciful. His character is presented as noble and God-fearing, demonstrating a quiet, active faith that trusts in divine direction even amidst perplexing circumstances. The contrast between potentially damning public exposure and private divorce shows Joseph seeking minimal harm for Mary, aligning his human judgment with God's heart for grace.

Matthew 1 19 Commentary

Matthew 1:19 is a concise yet profound revelation of Joseph's character, setting the human stage for the miraculous birth of Jesus. Confronted with an incomprehensible situation – his betrothed, Mary, pregnant before their marriage – Joseph found himself in an unenviable position that tested his understanding of law, justice, and mercy. As "a righteous man," he was bound by the Law (specifically, Deut 24:1-4 on divorce, and implied Deut 22:20-21 regarding presumed unfaithfulness). However, his righteousness was not a rigid, merciless legalism, but a nuanced spiritual quality that also encompassed compassion. To "expose" Mary would mean publicly accusing her of infidelity, a charge that could lead to dire consequences, including potentially stoning or severe social ostracization. Joseph’s decision to "put her away secretly" reflected his desire to fulfill his legal obligation to separate while extending mercy to Mary, preserving her from public shame and the extreme penalty. This choice underscores a crucial aspect of biblical righteousness: it balances justice with an unwavering commitment to kindness and the well-being of others, echoing divine attributes (Mic 6:8; Ps 112:4). His dilemma beautifully highlights that God often uses people of deep moral integrity and compassion to facilitate His divine purposes, demonstrating His grace not only in the miracle of the virgin birth but also in the quiet faithfulness of those involved.