Devine Scripture

Matthew 1:24

What does Matthew 1:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 1:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 1:24 means

Upon waking from his dream, Joseph immediately and obediently responded to the angel's clear command. His prompt action in taking Mary as his wife demonstrates his faith in the divine revelation, choosing to trust God's word over societal judgment and his own initial understanding. This act of obedience meant accepting the child as his own, legally, thereby ensuring Jesus' place in the Davidic line and providing protection for both Mary and the infant Jesus. Joseph's righteousness is evident in his submission to God's will.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Joseph did as the angel of the Lord had said to him, and took her as his wife;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Joseph, having risen from the sleep, did as the messenger of the Lord directed him, and received his wife,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Joseph, having awoke up from his sleep, did as the angel of [the] Lord had enjoined him, and took to [him] his wife,

Context

This verse directly follows the angelic revelation and prophetic fulfillment, portraying Joseph's immediate and faithful response. It marks the culmination of Joseph's personal crisis, showing his decisive obedience based on divine guidance. This action then sets the stage for the actual birth of Jesus and His naming, demonstrating the practical outworking of God's supernatural plan through human cooperation.

v.23Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us.

v.24This passage

v.25and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 11:7

    By faith Noah, being warned of God concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

  • Exodus 40:16

    Thus did Moses: according to all that Jehovah commanded him, so did he.

  • John 2:5

    His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

  • Genesis 6:22

    Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

  • Genesis 22:2

    And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son, whom thou lovest, even Isaac, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt-offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

  • Hebrews 11:24

    By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 1:24.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary