Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - Matthew 1:18
1:18 is, (b-13) The Greek expression here translated 'that is' emphasizes the peculiar manner of the birth. read more
1:18 is, (b-13) The Greek expression here translated 'that is' emphasizes the peculiar manner of the birth. read more
1:19 unwilling (c-10) The expression is characteristic. 'being a man not willing,' &c. read more
1:20 Lord (d-13) 'Lord' without the article, signifying, as often, 'Jehovah.' read more
1:21 Jesus, (e-14) See Note, Exodus 17:9 . read more
Genealogy and Birth of Jesus1-17. Genealogy of Jesus: cp. Luke 3:23. The two genealogies of Jesus, which are constructed on quite different principles, require careful comparison and study, if their purpose and significance are to be understood. In both, the descent of Jesus is traced through Joseph, not Mary, partly because the claim of Jesus to the throne of David could only be established through His foster-father Joseph; partly because, in genealogies, the Jews took no account of female... read more
(17) The arrangement into three triads of fourteen generations each was obviously in the nature of a memoria technica. The periods embraced by the three groups were, it may be noted, of very unequal length; and the actual omission of names in one of them, makes it possible that the others may have been treated in the same way.(1) From the birth of Abraham to the birth of David, taking the dates supplied by the received chronology of the Old Testament. B.C. 1996-1085. (2) From the birth of David... read more
(18) St. Matthew, for some reason or other, omits all mention of what St. Luke relates very fully, as to the events that preceded the birth of Jesus and brought about the birth at Bethlehem. Either he had not access to any document full and trustworthy, like that which St. Luke made use of, or, as every writer of history must fix a beginning more or less arbitrary, he found his starting-point in those facts which took a foremost place in what bore upon the fulfilment of Messianic prophecy. It... read more
(19) Joseph her husband.—The word was applied with strict accuracy from the moment of betrothal onwards.Being a just man. . . .—The glimpse given us into the character of Joseph is one of singular tenderness and beauty. To him, conscious of being of the house of David, and cherishing Messianic hopes, what he heard would seem to come as blighting those hopes. He dared not, as a “righteous” man, take to himself one who seemed thus to have sinned. But love and pity alike hindered him from pressing... read more
(20) While he thought on these things.—The words imply a conflict, a perplexity; and the words of the angel came as the solution of his doubts.In a dream.—From the Jewish point of view, dreams were the received channels of divine communications to the aged, open visions in the state of ecstasy to the young (Joel 2:28). This, at least, falls in with what has been inferred as to Joseph’s age.Joseph, thou son of David.—The latter words were, in the highest degree, significant. His character as the... read more
Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - Matthew 1:17
1:17 away (a-18) In those days conquerors transported conquered nations to distant seats, and replaced them by others, that national feeling might not subsist, but dependence be complete. 'Carrying away' is feeble for this, but I know no other word. read more