Devine Scripture

Matthew 1:25

What does Matthew 1:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 1:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 1:25 means

This verse concludes the birth narrative, stating that Joseph "knew her not till she had brought forth a son." This confirms Mary's virginity until after Jesus' birth, maintaining the miraculous nature of His conception. Joseph then faithfully carried out the angel's instruction, naming the child "JESUS." This final act of naming solidifies Jesus' legal identity in the Davidic line through Joseph, as well as confirming His divine mission to "save his people from their sins," as declared by the angel. Jesus' identity is fully established.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he had no connection with her till she had given birth to a son; and he gave him the name Jesus.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and did not know her till she brought forth her son--the first-born, and he called his name Jesus.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he knew her not, till she brought forth her first born son: and he called his name Jesus.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and knew her not until she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

Context

This verse concludes the narrative section detailing Jesus' birth, following Joseph's obedience to the angelic command. It provides the final affirmation of Mary's virginity at the time of Jesus' birth and the official act of naming, which carries great significance. This wraps up the chapter, having established Jesus' historical lineage and His miraculous, divine origin, preparing the reader for His public ministry.

v.24And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife;

v.25This passage

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 1:21

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

  • Exodus 13:2

    Sanctify unto me all the first-born, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.

  • Exodus 22:29

    Thou shalt not delay to offer of thy harvest, and of the outflow of thy presses. The first-born of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.

  • Romans 8:29

    For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren:

  • Luke 2:21

    And when eight days were fulfilled for circumcising him, his name was called JESUS, which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

  • Luke 2:7

    And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

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