NT FigureNew Testament

Joseph (step-father)

Matthew Luke

When

c. 6 BC – AD 8· In the text

Tied to events dated from records outside the Bible, usually within a few years. How the dates are worked out

Name meaning

"may he add" · Hebrew

About

Righteous Jewish man from Bethlehem, a carpenter, betrothed to Mary. When he discovered Mary was pregnant he planned to divorce her quietly. An angel appeared to him in a dream telling him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. He obeyed, took the family to Bethlehem, then to Egypt to escape Herod, and back to Nazareth. He is a descendant of David, making Jesus legally of the royal line.

Relationships

SpouseMary (mother)Wife

Step-sonJesusStep-son, legal son in David's line

Key Scripture AppearancesKJV

Matthew 1:16

And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.Matthew 1:16, KJV

Matthew 1:19

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

Matthew 2:13

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.Matthew 2:13, KJV

Luke 2:4

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)Luke 2:4, KJV

Luke 2:16

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.Luke 2:16, KJV

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