Matthew 1:18 - Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
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What does "Matthew 1:18" mean?
This verse, Matthew 1:18, describes the circumstances surrounding the conception of Jesus. Let's break it down:
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this...": This introduces the narrative about Jesus' birth. It's setting the stage to explain the unusual circumstances.
"After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph...": Mary was betrothed (engaged) to Joseph. In that time period, betrothal was a legally binding commitment, almost like marriage, but the couple had not yet lived together as husband and wife.
"...before they came together...": This emphasizes that Mary and Joseph had not had sexual relations. They were not yet living together or having marital relations.
"...she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit.": This is the central and most crucial point. Mary's pregnancy was not the result of a relationship with Joseph or any other man. It was divinely caused by the Holy Spirit. This asserts the unique, supernatural nature of Jesus' conception.
In summary, the verse means that Mary, while engaged but before living with Joseph, was discovered to be pregnant. The pregnancy was not the result of a human relationship but was miraculously caused by the Holy Spirit.
This verse is foundational to Christian belief, as it asserts:
The virgin birth of Jesus: Jesus was conceived without a human father.
The divine nature of Jesus: The Holy Spirit's involvement emphasizes Jesus' divine origin and his status as the Son of God.
The fulfillment of prophecy: Many Christians believe this fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's unique birth.
It's important to note that this verse and the surrounding narrative are matters of faith. Different religious and non-religious perspectives exist on the interpretation and validity of this account.
Matthew 1:18 - Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
What does "Matthew 1:18" mean?
This verse, Matthew 1:18, describes the circumstances surrounding the conception of Jesus. Let's break it down:
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this...": This introduces the narrative about Jesus' birth. It's setting the stage to explain the unusual circumstances.
"After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph...": Mary was betrothed (engaged) to Joseph. In that time period, betrothal was a legally binding commitment, almost like marriage, but the couple had not yet lived together as husband and wife.
"...before they came together...": This emphasizes that Mary and Joseph had not had sexual relations. They were not yet living together or having marital relations.
"...she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit.": This is the central and most crucial point. Mary's pregnancy was not the result of a relationship with Joseph or any other man. It was divinely caused by the Holy Spirit. This asserts the unique, supernatural nature of Jesus' conception.
In summary, the verse means that Mary, while engaged but before living with Joseph, was discovered to be pregnant. The pregnancy was not the result of a human relationship but was miraculously caused by the Holy Spirit.
This verse is foundational to Christian belief, as it asserts:
The virgin birth of Jesus: Jesus was conceived without a human father.
The divine nature of Jesus: The Holy Spirit's involvement emphasizes Jesus' divine origin and his status as the Son of God.
The fulfillment of prophecy: Many Christians believe this fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's unique birth.
It's important to note that this verse and the surrounding narrative are matters of faith. Different religious and non-religious perspectives exist on the interpretation and validity of this account.