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

MATTHEW 1:25KJV
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Matthew 1:25 (KJV)

What does Matthew 1:25 mean?

Matthew 1:25 says that Joseph did not have marital relations with Mary until after she gave birth to her firstborn son, and Joseph named the baby Jesus. This verse emphasizes that Jesus’s birth happened before Joseph and Mary lived together as husband and wife in the usual way.

Matthew is narrating the events around Jesus’s birth, specifically addressing Joseph’s actions after the angel’s message. The verse highlights Joseph’s respect for Mary’s unique role and the fulfillment of the angel’s instructions to name the child Jesus, which means “the Lord saves.” This detail sets the stage for the story of Jesus’s early life and identity.

The Greek behind Matthew 1:25

  • The word "knew" (ἐγίνωσκεν, ginōskō) is a common Greek way to refer to sexual relations. Matthew uses it to make clear that Joseph and Mary did not have such relations before Jesus was born.
  • The phrase "till" (ἕως, heōs) often means "up to the point when," showing that Joseph waited until after the birth. The focus is on what happened before Jesus’s birth, not necessarily on what happened later.
  • "Firstborn" (πρωτότοκον, prōtotokon) means the first child born to Mary, which was a significant term in Jewish culture, often tied to inheritance and special status.
  • "Jesus" (Ἰησοῦς, Iēsous) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning "the Lord saves," connecting to the angel’s earlier message about Jesus’s purpose.

Why Matthew 1:25 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus’s birth was unique and not the result of a normal marital relationship, supporting the earlier claim of a miraculous conception.
  • By mentioning Joseph naming Jesus, Matthew shows Joseph’s acceptance of Jesus as his legal son, which is important for Jesus’s place in David’s lineage.
  • The careful wording addresses questions about Mary’s status at Jesus’s birth and sets up the narrative for Jesus’s special identity and mission.

Where else these words appear

“firstborn” Greek G4416 · used in 9 verses

  • 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.
  • Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
  • Hebrews 11:28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

“forth” Greek G5088 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
  • Hebrews 11:11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

“called” Greek G2564 · used in 138 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
  • Romans 9:26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

“till” Greek G2193 · used in 139 verses

  • Matthew 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
  • Mark 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
  • John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.