What does Matthew 1:25 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 1:25 is part of the account of Jesus' birth in the Gospel of Matthew. It states that Joseph, the betrothed husband of Mary, did not have sexual relations with her until after the birth of Jesus.

The word "till" (or "until") in this context suggests that Joseph and Mary did not consummate their marriage during Mary's pregnancy.

The phrase "her firstborn son" implies that Jesus was Mary's first child.

The inclusion of "firstborn" does not necessarily indicate that Mary had other children, but it is a term used in Jewish law to refer to the first male child who has special religious significance.

The second part of this verse tells us that Joseph followed the angel's instructions (from Matthew 1:21) and named the child "Jesus," which is the Greek form of the Hebrew name "Yeshua" (Joshua), meaning "The Lord saves."

Historical Context

Matthew 1:25 was written in the context of a Jewish society under Roman occupation during the 1st century AD.

The Gospel of Matthew is generally believed to be written for a Jewish-Christian audience, likely between 70 and 100 AD.

The ancestry and birth narratives of Jesus were of particular significance to Jewish Christians who were concerned with the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse touches upon the doctrine of the virgin birth, a cornerstone of traditional Christian belief, emphasizing Jesus' divine origins.

The virgin birth signifies that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, marking his entrance into the world as a unique event.

Different Christian denominations interpret the "until" clause variously, with some suggesting it implies that Joseph and Mary eventually had a normal marital relationship after Jesus' birth, potentially giving rise to siblings, while others, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, maintain the perpetual virginity of Mary.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can inspire believers to be obedient to God's guidance, as Joseph was in naming Jesus in accordance with divine instruction.

Additionally, it provides a model for purity and self-control within the context of intimate relationships, pointing to the value of placing spiritual obedience above physical desires.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
• Luke 1:34-35 - "Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
• Luke 2:7 - "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."
• Galatians 4:4 - "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,"

Language Study

• "Knew her not" - The Greek word for "knew" (εγίνωσκεν, eginské) here refers to carnal knowledge or sexual relations.
• "Till she had brought forth" - The Greek word "till" (ἕως, heos) indicates the time up to a certain point but does not necessarily provide information about what happened after that point.
• "Firstborn son" - "Firstborn" (πρωτότοκος, prototokos) in Jewish law and tradition refers to the one who opens the womb, and he was typically accorded a special status and privileges, but it does not necessitate additional offspring.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of virgin birth is uncommon but not unique to Christianity; similar concepts appear in various ancient myths and religions, where miraculous births often signal the divine nature of the child.

For instance, figures such as Dionysus in Greek mythology and Horus in Egyptian mythology have stories of extraordinary birth.

However, in the context of Jewish-Christian belief, the virgin birth of Jesus is distinctly tied to messianic prophecy and the affirmation of Jesus' divine and human natures.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective holds that virgin birth, known as parthenogenesis, is biologically impossible in humans. Parthenogenesis occurs naturally in certain plant and animal species but does not result in viable human offspring.

Thus, from a scientific point of view, the virgin birth is considered a miracle or a matter of faith rather than a biological phenomenon.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians have offered explanations for this verse:

• John Calvin suggested Joseph refrained from consummating the marriage to honor the unique holiness of Mary's divine maternity.
• The Catholic tradition, adhering to the teachings of early church fathers such as Jerome, maintains the perpetual virginity of Mary, implying that "until" doesn't suggest a change in Mary’s status thereafter.
• Protestant perspectives vary, with some accepting the possibility of Mary having subsequent children with Joseph, referencing verses such as Mark 6:3, while others might consider the social and religious implications of Mary remaining a virgin within her marriage.
• Modern scholars often focus on the verse's role in the Matthean infancy narrative's aim to establish Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy and as the Messiah.