Matthew 1:25
And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐγίνωσκεν
knew
G1097
ἐγίνωσκεν
knew
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
3 of 18
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
αὐτοῦ
her
G846
αὐτοῦ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 18
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
ἕως
till
G2193
ἕως
till
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
5 of 18
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
οὗ
G3739
οὗ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 18
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔτεκεν
she had brought forth
G5088
ἔτεκεν
she had brought forth
Strong's:
G5088
Word #:
7 of 18
to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸν
son
G5207
υἱὸν
son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
9 of 18
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
αὐτοῦ
her
G846
αὐτοῦ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 18
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
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρωτότοκον·
firstborn
G4416
πρωτότοκον·
firstborn
Strong's:
G4416
Word #:
12 of 18
first-born (usually as noun, literally or figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκάλεσεν
he called
G2564
ἐκάλεσεν
he called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
14 of 18
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
16 of 18
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Cross References
Exodus 13:2Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.Exodus 22:29Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.Matthew 1:21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.Luke 2:21And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.Luke 2:7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, 'knowing' was a euphemism for sexual relations. The emphasis on Joseph's abstinence until after Jesus' birth protects the doctrine of virgin birth from any skepticism.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is the virgin birth essential to the doctrine of the Incarnation?
- How does this verse affirm both the miraculous conception of Christ and the normal goodness of marriage?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn' affirms both the virgin birth and implies normal marital relations afterward. The term 'firstborn' indicates Mary had other children (Matthew 13:55-56), contradicting perpetual virginity doctrines. This verse safeguards Christ's unique conception while affirming the goodness of marriage as designed by God.