Gospel of Matthew Chapter 1 Vs. 19

The Birth of Jesus Christ 

Verses: 19-20: Because Joseph was a “just man”, he decided to divorce Mary privately but while he considered what should be done “the angel of the Lord” spoke to him in a dream. “The angel” is literally “an angel.” “Put her away,” means to divorce her. The Jewish betrothal had to be legally broken. Joseph’s merciful attitude gives an insight into his true nature as a man.

Matthew 1:19 “Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

being a just... Greek: dikaios, righteous (Mat. 13:49).

a publick example... Expose her to public shame and death, as required by law (Deut. 22:25-28).

put her away... Divorce her privately (Deut. 24:1-4).

Stoning was the legal prescription for this sort of adultery (Deut. 22:23-24). Joseph’s righteousness meant he was also merciful; thus he did not intend to “disgrace” Mary.

The phrase “a just man” is a Hebraism suggesting that he was a true believer in God who had thereby been declared righteous, and who carefully obeyed the law (see Gen. 6:9). To “send her away” would be to obtain a legal divorce (19:8-9; Deut. 24:1), which according to the Jewish custom was necessary in order to dissolve a betrothal.

Again, Mary and Joseph were in the one-year waiting period when Mary was found to be with child. They had never had sexual intercourse and Mary herself had been faithful (Mat. 1:20, 1:23). While little is said about Joseph, one can imagine how his heart must have broken. He genuinely loved Mary, and yet the word came that she was pregnant. His love for her was demonstrated by his actions. He chose not to create a public scandal by exposing her condition to the judges at the city gate. Such an act could have resulted in Mary’s death by stoning (Deut. 22:23-24). Instead he decided to divorce her quietly.