Matthew 1:25 - and didn’t know her sexually until she had given birth to her firstborn son. He named him Jesus.
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What does "Matthew 1:25" mean?
This verse from Matthew 1:25 is a crucial and often debated point in Christian theology. Let's break it down:
"and didn’t know her sexually..." This phrase is a euphemism commonly used in the Bible to refer to sexual intercourse. So, it's saying that Joseph did not have sexual relations with Mary.
"...until she had given birth to her firstborn son." This is where the debate arises. The word "until" implies that after the birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary may have had normal marital relations.
"He named him Jesus." This is a statement that Joseph followed the angel's instruction to name the child Jesus.
Different Interpretations and Significance:
1. Perpetual Virginity of Mary: Some Christian traditions, particularly the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, believe in the perpetual virginity of Mary, meaning she remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. They interpret "until" in this verse to not necessarily imply a change in status after the birth. They might argue that "until" can simply indicate a period of time without implying a subsequent change, similar to how someone might say, "I will work until I retire," without necessarily implying they will stop working altogether after retirement. In this view, the focus is on emphasizing the unique and divine conception of Jesus.
2. Later Marital Relations: Other Christian denominations (primarily Protestant) interpret "until" more literally, suggesting that after Jesus' birth, Joseph and Mary had a normal marital relationship and possibly other children. This interpretation aligns with other biblical passages that mention Jesus' brothers and sisters. (Matthew 13:55-56, Mark 6:3) They believe that affirming the virgin birth as a miracle is important but that it doesn't necessarily require Mary to remain a virgin for the rest of her life.
Theological Significance:
Virgin Birth: Regardless of how the verse is interpreted regarding Mary's perpetual virginity, it underscores the belief in the virgin birth of Jesus. This doctrine is central to Christian theology because it highlights the unique nature of Jesus as the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Joseph's Obedience: The verse also emphasizes Joseph's obedience to God's will. He accepted Mary as his wife despite her pregnancy and named the child Jesus as he was instructed, demonstrating his faith and submission to God's plan.
Differing Views on Mary: The interpretation of this verse significantly influences views on the role and status of Mary within different Christian traditions. For those who believe in her perpetual virginity, Mary is often seen as a model of purity and devotion, while those who believe she had other children emphasize her humanity and the normality of her marriage to Joseph after Jesus' birth.
In conclusion, Matthew 1:25 is a verse with rich theological implications. While it affirms the virgin birth of Jesus, its interpretation regarding Mary's subsequent marital life varies among different Christian traditions, leading to differing views on her role and significance.
Matthew 1:25 - and didn’t know her sexually until she had given birth to her firstborn son. He named him Jesus.
What does "Matthew 1:25" mean?
This verse from Matthew 1:25 is a crucial and often debated point in Christian theology. Let's break it down:
"and didn’t know her sexually..." This phrase is a euphemism commonly used in the Bible to refer to sexual intercourse. So, it's saying that Joseph did not have sexual relations with Mary.
"...until she had given birth to her firstborn son." This is where the debate arises. The word "until" implies that after the birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary may have had normal marital relations.
"He named him Jesus." This is a statement that Joseph followed the angel's instruction to name the child Jesus.
Different Interpretations and Significance:
1. Perpetual Virginity of Mary: Some Christian traditions, particularly the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, believe in the perpetual virginity of Mary, meaning she remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. They interpret "until" in this verse to not necessarily imply a change in status after the birth. They might argue that "until" can simply indicate a period of time without implying a subsequent change, similar to how someone might say, "I will work until I retire," without necessarily implying they will stop working altogether after retirement. In this view, the focus is on emphasizing the unique and divine conception of Jesus.
2. Later Marital Relations: Other Christian denominations (primarily Protestant) interpret "until" more literally, suggesting that after Jesus' birth, Joseph and Mary had a normal marital relationship and possibly other children. This interpretation aligns with other biblical passages that mention Jesus' brothers and sisters. (Matthew 13:55-56, Mark 6:3) They believe that affirming the virgin birth as a miracle is important but that it doesn't necessarily require Mary to remain a virgin for the rest of her life.
Theological Significance:
Virgin Birth: Regardless of how the verse is interpreted regarding Mary's perpetual virginity, it underscores the belief in the virgin birth of Jesus. This doctrine is central to Christian theology because it highlights the unique nature of Jesus as the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Joseph's Obedience: The verse also emphasizes Joseph's obedience to God's will. He accepted Mary as his wife despite her pregnancy and named the child Jesus as he was instructed, demonstrating his faith and submission to God's plan.
Differing Views on Mary: The interpretation of this verse significantly influences views on the role and status of Mary within different Christian traditions. For those who believe in her perpetual virginity, Mary is often seen as a model of purity and devotion, while those who believe she had other children emphasize her humanity and the normality of her marriage to Joseph after Jesus' birth.
In conclusion, Matthew 1:25 is a verse with rich theological implications. While it affirms the virgin birth of Jesus, its interpretation regarding Mary's subsequent marital life varies among different Christian traditions, leading to differing views on her role and significance.