Who Was Joseph the Carpenter — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 1:20-21, sits inside Matthew 1. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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