Matthew 1:24
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
Original Language Analysis
Διεγερθεὶς
being raised
G1326
Διεγερθεὶς
being raised
Strong's:
G1326
Word #:
1 of 19
to wake fully; i.e., arouse (literally or figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐποίησεν
did
G4160
ἐποίησεν
did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
8 of 19
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
9 of 19
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
προσέταξεν
had bidden
G4367
προσέταξεν
had bidden
Strong's:
G4367
Word #:
10 of 19
to arrange towards, i.e., (figuratively) enjoin
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελος
the angel
G32
ἄγγελος
the angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
13 of 19
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
Κυρίου,
of the Lord
G2962
Κυρίου,
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
14 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρέλαβεν
took
G3880
παρέλαβεν
took
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
16 of 19
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
Historical Context
Taking Mary as his wife protected her from accusations and provided Jesus with legal standing as Joseph's son, giving Him rights to David's throne. This occurred before the trip to Bethlehem for the Roman census.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Joseph's immediate obedience teach about the relationship between genuine faith and obedient action?
- How can you demonstrate Joseph-like faith when God's calling contradicts human wisdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Joseph's immediate obedience 'when he arose from sleep' demonstrates the faith that justifies. He believed the angel's message and acted accordingly, despite the social cost and personal humiliation he would face. This obedience required trusting God's word over appearances and public opinion, exemplifying the principle that true faith produces obedience (James 2:26).