But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

MATTHEW 1:20KJV
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Matthew 1:20 (KJV)

What does Matthew 1:20 mean?

Matthew 1:20 describes how, while Joseph was considering what to do about Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, an angel appeared to him in a dream and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife because her child was from the Holy Spirit. The angel reassures Joseph that Mary’s pregnancy is not a result of unfaithfulness but is a miraculous act of God.

In this verse, Joseph is troubled and unsure after discovering Mary is pregnant, but before he acts, God sends a message through an angel. The angel addresses Joseph as “son of David,” highlighting his royal lineage, and explains that the child conceived in Mary is from the Holy Spirit, not from any human father. This moment sets the stage for Joseph’s important role in the birth and upbringing of Jesus.

The Greek behind Matthew 1:20

  • ἄγγελος (angelos): This word means “messenger” and is used here for the angel who brings God’s message to Joseph. It emphasizes that the message comes directly from God, not from Joseph’s own thoughts or from another person.
  • φοβέω (phobeō): Translated as “fear not,” this word often means “do not be afraid” or “do not hesitate.” The angel is not just calming Joseph’s fear but also encouraging him to move forward confidently with Mary.
  • ἐκ πνεύματος ἁγίου (ek pneumatos hagiou): This phrase means “from the Holy Spirit.” It makes clear that the child’s origin is divine, not human, which is a central point in the story of Jesus’ birth.

Why Matthew 1:20 matters

  • Matthew 1:20 clears up any suspicion Joseph or the reader might have about Mary’s faithfulness, showing that her pregnancy is a result of God’s action, not wrongdoing.
  • The verse highlights Joseph’s connection to David, which is important for understanding Jesus’ legal right to the title “Son of David” and the fulfillment of Old Testament promises.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of the birth narrative, showing that God is guiding the events and that Joseph’s obedience is part of God’s plan for Jesus’ arrival.

Where else these words appear

“on” Greek G1760 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 9:4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
  • Acts 10:19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

“dream” Greek G3677 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

“appeared” Greek G5316 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
  • Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

“Joseph” Greek G2501 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
  • Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
  • John 4:5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.