This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
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.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way. While his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
Τοῦ δὲ Ἰησοῦ χριστοῦ ἡ γένεσις οὕτως ἦν. Μνηστευθείσης τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ Μαρίας τῷ Ἰωσήφ, πρὶν ἢ συνελθεῖν αὐτοὺς εὑρέθη ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχουσα ἐκ πνεύματος ἁγίου.
Toû dè Iēsoû Christoû hē génesis hoûtōs ên. Mnēsteutheísēs tês mētròs autoû Marías tôi Iōsḗph, prìn ḕ suneltheîn autoùs heurḗthē en gastrì échousa ek pneúmatos hagíou.
The phrase "This is how" introduces the narrative with a sense of purpose and clarity. It signals the beginning of a divine account that is not just historical but also theological. The Greek word used here, "houtōs," implies a manner or way, indicating that what follows is a divinely orchestrated event, setting the stage for the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ.
The term "birth" in Greek is "gennēsis," which can also mean "origin" or "beginning." This emphasizes not just the physical birth but the inception of Jesus' earthly mission. "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation," and "Christ" from the Greek "Christos," meaning "Anointed One." This highlights Jesus' role as the Savior and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah.
The phrase "came about" suggests a process or unfolding of events. In the Greek, "ginomai" is used, which means "to become" or "to happen." This indicates that the birth of Jesus was not a random occurrence but a fulfillment of God's sovereign plan, meticulously orchestrated in history.
"Mary" is a name of Hebrew origin, "Miryam," which can mean "beloved" or "bitter." Her role as the mother of Jesus is central to the narrative, and her character is often seen as one of humility and obedience. The mention of "His mother" underscores the human aspect of Jesus' incarnation, emphasizing that He was born of a woman, fully human yet fully divine.
The phrase "pledged to be married" refers to the Jewish betrothal process, which was more binding than modern engagements. The Greek word "mnēsteuō" indicates a formal agreement, often lasting a year, during which the couple was legally bound but did not live together. Joseph, a descendant of David, plays a crucial role in fulfilling the Messianic prophecies concerning Jesus' lineage.
This phrase highlights the virgin birth, a cornerstone of Christian doctrine. "Came together" in Greek is "synerchomai," meaning to unite or come together physically. The emphasis here is on the miraculous nature of Jesus' conception, affirming the belief that Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus, fulfilling Isaiah 7:14.
The phrase "found to be with child" indicates the discovery of Mary's pregnancy. The Greek word "heuriskō" means to find or discover, suggesting that this was a revelation to Joseph and others. This discovery would have been shocking and potentially scandalous, yet it was part of God's divine plan.
The phrase "through the Holy Spirit" is crucial, as it attributes Jesus' conception to divine intervention. The Greek "dia" (through) and "pneuma hagion" (Holy Spirit) emphasize the supernatural aspect of Jesus' birth. This affirms the doctrine of the Trinity and the belief that Jesus is both fully God and fully man, conceived by the Holy Spirit, setting the stage for His redemptive work on earth.
The Gospel of Matthew is one of the four canonical gospels and is primarily concerned with presenting Jesus as the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. This verse sets the stage for the nativity story and highlights the miraculous nature of Jesus's conception.
The Pledge to Marry: Mary and Joseph were betrothed, a formal and legally binding agreement in Jewish culture, equivalent to marriage but without cohabitation. This period typically lasted about a year and was a time of commitment and preparation.
Divine Intervention: The conception through the Holy Spirit signifies God's direct involvement in the incarnation. It fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, which states, "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us").
Faith and Trust: For believers, this verse is a call to trust in God's plan, even when it defies human understanding. Mary and Joseph's faithfulness in accepting their roles in God's plan is a profound example of obedience and trust.
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