Matthew 1:20-21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 1:18-25

The mystery of Christ's incarnation is to be adored, not pried into. If we know not the way of the Spirit in the formation of common persons, nor how the bones are formed in the womb of any one that is with child (Eccl. 11:5), much less do we know how the blessed Jesus was formed in the womb of the blessed virgin. When David admires how he himself was made in secret, and curiously wrought (Ps. 139:13-16), perhaps he speaks in the spirit of Christ's incarnation. Some circumstances attending the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 1:18-25

1:18-25 The birth of Jesus Christ happened in this way. Mary, His mother, was betrothed to Joseph, and, before they became man and wife, it was discovered that she was carrying a child in her womb through the action of the Holy Spirit. Although Joseph, her husband, was a man who kept the law, he did not wish publicly to humiliate her, so he wished to divorce her secretly. When he was planning this, behold, an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream. "Joseph, son of David" said the angel,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 1:18-25

This passage tells us how Jesus was born by the action of the Holy Spirit. It tells us of what we call the Virgin Birth. This is a doctrine which presents us with many difficulties; and our Church does not compel us to accept it in the literal and the physical sense. This is one of the doctrines on which the Church says that we have full liberty to come to our own conclusion. At the moment we are concerned only to find out what this means for us. If we come to this passage with fresh eyes,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 1:18-25

(iii) The Jews specially connected the Spirit of God with the work of creation. It was through his Spirit that God performed his creating work. In the beginning the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters and chaos became a world ( Genesis 1:2 ). "By the word of the Lord the heavens were made," said the Psalmist, "and all their host by the breath of his mouth" ( Psalms 33:6 ). (Both in Hebrew: ruwach ( Hebrew #7307 ) , and in Greek: pneuma ( Greek #4151 ) , the word for... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 1:20

But while he thought on these things ,.... While he was revolving them in his mind, considering what was most fit and proper to be done, whether to dismiss her publicly or privately; while he was consulting within himself the glory of God, the peace of his own conscience, and the credit of Mary, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream ; probably the same Angel which appeared to Zacharias, and brought him tidings that his wife should have a son, and who also appeared to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Jesus. For though she was with child, it could not be known any otherwise than by prediction or divine revelation, that she should have a son, whose name should be called Jesus; a name of the same signification with Joshua and Hosea, and may be interpreted a "Saviour", Acts 13:23 for the word ישוע Jesus, comes from ישע which signifies "to save." And to this agrees the reason of the name given by the Angel, for he shall... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 1:20

That which is conceived (or formed) in her - So I think γεννηθεν should be translated in this place: as it appears that the human nature of Jesus Christ was a real creation in the womb of the virgin, by the power of the Holy Spirit. The angel of the Lord mentioned here was probably the angel Gabriel, who, six months before, bad been sent to Zacharias and Elisabeth, to announce the birth of Christ's forerunner, John the Baptist. See Luke 1:36 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 1:21

Jesus - The same as Joshua, יהושע Yehoshua , from ישע yasha , he saved, delivered, put in a state of safety. See on Exodus 13:9 ; (note); Numbers 13:16 ; (note), and in the preface to Joshua. He shall save his people from their sins - This shall be his great business in the world: the great errand on which he is come, viz. to make an atonement for, and to destroy, sin: deliverance from all the power, guilt, and pollution of sin, is the privilege of every believer in Christ... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 1:20

Verse 20 20.And while he was considering these things We see here how seasonably, and, as we would say, at the very point, the Lord usually aids his people. Hence too we infer that, when he appears not to observe our cares and distresses, we are still under his eye. He may, indeed, hide himself, and remain silent; but, when our patience has been subjected to the trial, he will aid us at the time which his own wisdom has selected. How slow or late soever his assistance may be thought to be, it... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 1:21

Verse 21 21.And thou shalt call his name JESUS. I have already explained briefly, but as far as was necessary, the meaning of that word. At present I shall only add, that the words of the angel set aside the dream of those who derive it from the essential name of God, Jehovah; for the angel expresses the reason why the Son of God is so called, Because he shall SAVE his people; which suggests quite a different etymology from what they have contrived. It is justly and appropriately added, they... read more

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