Meaning of Joseph, husband of Mary in the Bible
Language: HebrewTransliteration: YosefGender: MaleTestament: New Testament
Meaning
“May he add”
Joseph is the husband of Mary and legal father of Jesus in the infancy narratives. Matthew portrays him as righteous, responsive to divine guidance in dreams, and protective of Mary and Jesus during danger from Herod. This record is distinct from Joseph son of Jacob in Genesis.
Scripture References for Joseph, husband of Mary
5 key passages featuring this name
Matthew 1:19
“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.”
Matthew 1:24
“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:”
Matthew 2:13
“And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”
Matthew 2:19
“But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,”
Luke 2:4
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)”
Associated Biblical Places
The Name Joseph, husband of Mary in God's Word
Names in Scripture carry deep significance. Joseph, husband of Mary — meaning “May he add” — reflects a truth about identity, purpose, and God's design. Meditate on these passages to understand what this name reveals about God's character and His people.
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated: