Mat 1:19 | TNotes | STEP | 1:19 As a righteous man —that is, as one who obeyed the law (see Luke 1:6 )—Joseph could not take Mary as his wife since she was a suspected adulteress. He could exonerate himself by publicly exposing Mary to trial and having her put to death (Deut 22:23-27 ; cp. Num 5:11-31 ), or pay a fine and break the engagement (see also Mishnah Sotah 1:1-5). Joseph mercifully decided to do the latter quietly .

bLuke 1:6►

cDeut 22:23-27►

dNum 5:11-31►

‏ Matthew 1:19

1:19 ^a As a righteous man—that is, as one who obeyed the law (see Luke 1:6 ^b)—Joseph could not take Mary as his wife since she was a suspected adulteress. He could exonerate himself by publicly exposing Mary to trial and having her put to death (Deut 22:23-27 ^c; cp. Num 5:11-31 ^d), or pay a fine and break the engagement (see also Mishnah Sotah 1:1-5). Joseph mercifully decided to do the latter quietly.