· Translation: KJV

Matthew 1:25and didn't know her sexually until she had brought forth her firstborn son. He named him Jesus.

The setting

Nazareth, Israel, ~4 BC. A young couple in their small home, holding their newborn son who would change everything...

The emotion here: careful precision in recording miraculous events

The original word

ginosko (ἐγίνωσκεν) — intimate knowledge, used for sexual union in Hebrew tradition

Why it matters

Jewish marriages had two phases: betrothal (legally binding) and consummation (living together)

Read with care

What most readers miss in Matthew 1:25

This verse confirms both Jesus' virgin birth AND that Joseph and Mary had normal marital relations afterward

Common misconceptionSome think Mary remained a virgin her whole life, but 'until' indicates normal marriage resumed after Jesus' birth, and Jesus had siblings mentioned elsewhere.

Bible Genome reading

Matthew 1:25 — Bible Genome reading

SpeakerMatthew
Eragospel
Primary emotionstarting
Literary typenarrative

Emotional genome

Comfort power60%
Quotability50%
Memorability70%
Crisis relevance30%
Standalone60%
Themes:virgin birthnamingbirth

In context

No verse stands alone.

Read the conversation around it.

Open Matthew 1

Matthew 1:25 comes from the book of Matthew, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to Matthew. The dominant emotion in this verse is starting, with a comfort power of 60% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include virgin birth, naming, birth. Notable phrases: didn't know her sexually; named him Jesus.

Your reflection

What does Matthew 1:25 mean to you, today?

A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.

Speak your heart →

Get 3 verses for "starting"

Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.