Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

MATTHEW 1:18KJV
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Matthew 1:18 (KJV)

What does Matthew 1:18 mean?

Matthew 1:18 introduces the circumstances surrounding Jesus Christ’s birth. It says that Mary became pregnant through the Holy Ghost while she was pledged to marry Joseph, before they had lived together as husband and wife.

Matthew’s account moves from the family line in the preceding verses to the circumstances of Jesus’s birth. The phrase “she was found with child” means that Mary’s pregnancy became known. “Holy Ghost” is the KJV’s way of saying “Holy Spirit.”

The Greek behind Matthew 1:18

  • “espoused” — μνηστεύω (mnēsteuō): This word means to pledge someone in marriage. In that setting, the pledge was more binding than an engagement often is today, though the couple had not yet begun married life together.
  • “they came together” — συνέρχομαι (synerchomai): This word can mean to come together or join someone. Here, the phrase refers to Mary and Joseph beginning their life together as a married couple.

Why Matthew 1:18 matters

  • The timing is important to Matthew’s account. “Before they came together” places Mary’s pregnancy before the couple began their married life.
  • Matthew prepares the reader for Joseph’s response. The discovery of Mary’s pregnancy leads into Joseph’s decision in verse 19 and the message he receives in verse 20.
  • The account identifies the Holy Spirit as the source of Mary’s pregnancy. Verse 20 repeats that explanation in the message given to Joseph.

Where else these words appear

“birth” Greek G1083 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

“espoused” Greek G3423 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 1:27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
  • Luke 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

“child” Greek G1064 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
  • Mark 13:17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

“before” Greek G4250 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 26:34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
  • Luke 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
  • John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.