Bible Figure
Joseph
Christian saint; husband of Mary and father of Jesus
Joseph was the husband of Mary and the legal earthly father of Jesus. A descendant of David, he is portrayed in Matthew as a righteous man who obeyed God's direction concerning Mary's miraculous pregnancy. Joseph protected Mary and Jesus, took the family to Egypt when Herod threatened the child, returned after Herod's death, and established the household in Nazareth.
Biography
Joseph enters the Gospel narratives as the man betrothed to Mary when she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Matthew describes him as righteous and says that he initially intended to end the betrothal quietly rather than expose Mary to public disgrace. An angel appeared to him in a dream, explaining that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and instructing him to take Mary as his wife and name the child Jesus. Joseph obeyed. After the visit of the Magi, another dream warned Joseph to flee from Herod, so he took Mary and Jesus to Egypt. After Herod's death he again followed divine direction and settled the family in Nazareth. Luke presents Joseph traveling with Mary to Bethlehem for the census, bringing Jesus to the temple, and later searching with Mary for the twelve-year-old Jesus in Jerusalem. Joseph is not mentioned during Jesus' adult ministry, and Scripture does not record the circumstances of his death.
Biblical Significance
Joseph's significance lies in faithful obedience and in his role within the Davidic setting of Jesus' earthly family. Though he is not Jesus' biological father, his acceptance of Jesus establishes the legal and household connection reflected in the Gospel genealogies. Joseph repeatedly responds to God's instruction with prompt action, protecting Mary and the child entrusted to his care.