Who Was Joseph the Carpenter?
Who Was Joseph the Carpenter? Joseph was the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus — a righteous man of David's line who protected and raised the Son of God.
Key verse: Matthew 1:20-21 (KJV)
Joseph was the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus — a righteous man of David's line who protected and raised the Son of God.
Joseph was the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus — a righteous man of David's line who protected and raised the Son of God.
"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." — Matthew 1:20-21 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
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The Biblical Answer
Joseph was a descendant of King David, living in Nazareth and working as a carpenter when he was betrothed to Mary. Before they came together, Mary was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Being a just man, Joseph planned to put her away privately rather than expose her to shame. But in a dream, an angel of the Lord told him not to fear to take Mary as his wife, 'for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.' Joseph obeyed immediately, took Mary as his wife, and named the child Jesus. When Herod sought to kill the infant, Joseph again obeyed a dream and fled with Mary and Jesus to Egypt. After Herod's death, he brought them to Nazareth. Joseph is last mentioned when Jesus was twelve, in the temple. He taught Jesus his trade, raised Him in the fear of the LORD, and disappears from Scripture before Jesus' public ministry — likely because he had died. Joseph was never Jesus' biological father, yet his righteousness, obedience, and protective love made him a faithful steward of the greatest trust ever given to a man.
Key Scripture References
"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."
"Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the LORD had bidden him, and took unto him his wife."
"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. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Was Mary the Mother of Jesus?
Mary was a young Jewish virgin from Nazareth whom God chose by grace to bear Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and who humbly submitted to this calling.
What Is the Nativity?
The nativity is the account of Jesus' birth — the virgin conception, the journey to Bethlehem, and the worship of shepherds and wise men.
Who Was Herod the Great?
Herod the Great was the Roman-appointed king of Judea who ordered the massacre of the infants in Bethlehem in his attempt to kill the infant Jesus.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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