Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly.
King James Bible
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
Because Joseph, her husband to be, was a righteous man, and because he did not want to disgrace her, he intended to divorce her privately.
Ἰωσὴφ δὲ ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς, δίκαιος ὢν καὶ μὴ θέλων αὐτὴν δειγματίσαι, ἐβουλήθη λάθρᾳ ἀπολῦσαι αὐτήν.
Iōsēph de ho anēr autēs, dikaios ōn kai mē thelōn autēn deigmatisai, eboulēthē lathra apolusai autēn.
The phrase highlights Joseph's legal and social status as Mary's betrothed, which in Jewish culture was as binding as marriage itself. The Greek word for "husband" here is "ἀνήρ" (anēr), indicating a man of mature age and responsibility. Joseph's role as Mary's husband is crucial, as it establishes Jesus' legal lineage to the house of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's descent.
The term "righteous" is translated from the Greek word "δίκαιος" (dikaios), which means just, upright, or virtuous. In the Jewish context, a righteous man was one who adhered to the Law of Moses and lived a life pleasing to God. Joseph's righteousness is not merely legalistic but reflects a deep moral integrity and compassion, setting the stage for his merciful actions towards Mary.
This phrase reveals Joseph's compassionate character. The Greek word for "disgrace" is "δειγματίζω" (deigmatizō), meaning to make a public example of someone. Joseph's unwillingness to expose Mary to public shame demonstrates his love and respect for her, as well as his desire to protect her dignity, even when he believed she had been unfaithful.
The decision to "divorce her quietly" shows Joseph's merciful nature. The Greek word for "divorce" is "ἀπολύω" (apolyō), which means to release or send away. In Jewish law, a formal public divorce could have led to severe consequences for Mary, including social ostracism or even stoning. Joseph's choice to handle the matter discreetly reflects his desire to act justly while minimizing harm, embodying the balance of justice and mercy that is central to Christian ethics.
The verse begins by highlighting Joseph’s righteousness: "Joseph her husband was faithful to the law." This means he was a devout man, committed to adhering to Jewish customs and laws. His faithfulness to the law showcases his integrity and the seriousness with which he regarded his commitments and relationships.
Joseph finds himself in a difficult position. According to Jewish law at the time, engagement (or betrothal) was a binding contract. Discovering that Mary was pregnant before their marriage would have been seen as a serious breach of this contract. The natural assumption would be that she had been unfaithful, which carried severe social and legal consequences, including potential public disgrace and even stoning.
Despite the apparent betrayal, Joseph's response is compassionate. Instead of seeking to publicly disgrace Mary or exact the full extent of the law's punishment, he chooses a path of mercy: "he had in mind to divorce her quietly." This quiet divorce would protect Mary from public shame and possibly severe punishment. This action reflects Joseph's love and respect for Mary, and his desire to handle the situation with as much kindness as possible.
Divorcing quietly would involve handing Mary a private bill of divorce, possibly with only two witnesses, rather than making a public spectacle of it. This approach would allow both Joseph and Mary to maintain some dignity amidst the situation. Joseph’s decision underscores the profound tension between adhering to the law and extending grace.
This verse also sets the stage for the divine intervention that follows. Joseph's initial plan to quietly divorce Mary demonstrates his humanity—balancing righteousness with mercy. However, his plans are later redirected by an angelic visitation, reassuring him of Mary’s faithfulness and the divine nature of her pregnancy (Matthew 1:20-21). This divine revelation not only changes Joseph's course of action but also underscores the significance of Jesus’ miraculous conception.
Matthew 1:19 encapsulates a powerful narrative of faith, righteousness, compassion, and divine intervention. Joseph's character and his initial response to an unexpected and challenging situation highlight the virtues of mercy and justice. This verse, along with the surrounding context, illustrates the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth and the profound faith required of those involved in this divine plan.
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