Matthew 1:25 - Exposition

And knew her not. The tense ( ἐγίνωσκεν ) brings out the continuance of Joseph's obedient self-restraint. "He was dwelling in holiness with her" (Tatian's 'Diatess.'). Till she had brought forth her firstborn Son . Thus the angel's promise is so far fulfilled. A son (Revised Version); "her firstborn," though found as early as Tatian's.' Diatess.,' having been added from Luke 2:7 . Though no great stress can be laid on the word "till" ( ἕως [ οὖ ], Basil refers to Genesis 8:7 ; comp. also Psalm exit. 8), nor even on "firstborn," which suggested to a Jew rather consecration ( Luke 2:23 ) than the birth of other children; yet it is a reasonable inference from the passage as a whole that the οὐκ ἐγίνωσκεν was not continued after the birth of the Son. Whether, however, other children were born to Mary or not, the true text of this passage gives no hint. And he called his name JESUS ( Luke 2:21 , note). Observe that this name had already occurred in Joseph's family ( Luke 3:29 ). It is, however, now given in sign of Joseph's faith in him and his work.