Mat 1:18 | TNotes | STEP | 1:18 Jesus the Messiah (literally Jesus the Christ ): Using Messiah in the translation accurately communicates that it is a title rather than a personal name (“Jesus Christ”). • engaged to be married: In Judaism, engagement (or betrothal) meant a permanent relationship (Mal 2:14 ) that could be broken only by legal process; thus, Mary was considered Joseph’s wife and he her husband (see Matt 1:20 ; Deut 22:23-24 ), even though they had not had sexual relations. Mary’s status as a virgin at the time of Jesus’ conception through the power of the Holy Spirit helps authenticate Jesus’ divinity.

bMal 2:14►

cMatt 1:20►

dDeut 22:23-24►

‏ Matthew 1:18

1:18 ^a Jesus the Messiah (literally Jesus the Christ): Using Messiah in the translation accurately communicates that it is a title rather than a personal name (“Jesus Christ”).

• engaged to be married: In Judaism, engagement (or betrothal) meant a permanent relationship (Mal 2:14 ^b) that could be broken only by legal process; thus, Mary was considered Joseph’s wife and he her husband (see Matt 1:20 ^c; Deut 22:23-24 ^d), even though they had not had sexual relations. Mary’s status as a virgin at the time of Jesus’ conception through the power of the Holy Spirit helps authenticate Jesus’ divinity.