Lexical Summary Ióséph: Joseph Original Word: Ἰωσὴφ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Joseph. Of Hebrew origin (Yowceph); Joseph, the name of seven Israelites -- Joseph. see HEBREW Yowceph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Yoseph Definition Joseph, the name of several Isr. NASB Translation Joseph (33), Joseph's (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2501: ἸωσήφἸωσήφ, indeclinable (in Josephus (e. g. contra Apion 1, 14, 16; 32, 3; 33, 5) Ιωσηπος), ὁ (יוסֵף, from יָסַף to add, Genesis 30:23f (cf. B. D. under the word 1. the patriarch, the eleventh son of Jacob: John 4:5; Acts 7:9, 13f, 18; Hebrews 11:21f; φυλή Ἰωσήφ, i. e. the tribe of Ephraim, Revelation 7:8. 2. the son of Jonan (or Jonam), one of Christ's ancestors: Luke 3:30. 3. the son of Judah (or Judas; better Joda) another ancestor of Jesus: Luke 3:26 (where L marginal reading T Tr WH Ἰωσήχ, which see). 4. the son of Mattathias, another of the same: Luke 3:24. 5. the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus: Matthew 1:16, 18-20, 24; Matthew 2:13, 19; Luke 1:27; Luke 2:4, 16, 33 R L, 6. an own brother of our Lord: Matthew 13:55 L T Tr WH (for R G Ἰωσῆς (which see 2)). 7. Joseph of Arimathaea, a member of the Sanhedrin, who favored Jesus: Matthew 27:57, 59; Mark 15:43, 45; Luke 23:50; John 19:38. 8. Joseph, surnamed Βαρναβᾶς (which see): Acts 4:36 L T Tr WH (for R G Ἰωσῆς (which see Acts 5:4)). 9. Joseph called Barsabas (better Barsabbas; see the word), and surnamed Justus: Acts 1:23. (See Ἰωσῆς, 3) STRONGS NT 2501a: ἸωσήχἸωσήχ, Josech, see Ἰωσήφ, 3. The Greek form Ἰωσήφ occurs thirty-six times across the New Testament and gathers into several distinct persons whose accounts interlock with the unfolding redemptive narrative. From the guardian of the incarnate Christ to patriarchal foreshadowings and apostolic coworkers, the name Joseph marks moments where God’s providence, promise, and people converge. Joseph, Husband of Mary and Guardian of Jesus Matthew and Luke present Joseph as the legal father who shelters the promised Son. Matthew calls him “a righteous man” (Matthew 1:19) and records four separate angelic dreams that direct his steps (Matthew 1:20; 1:24; 2:13; 2:19). His obedience safeguards both Messiah and prophecy: Luke emphasizes Joseph’s faithful participation in covenant life—traveling for the census (Luke 2:4), presenting the child in the temple (Luke 2:22-24), and being present when shepherds arrive (Luke 2:16). Yet the Gospel writers never record a spoken word from him; his silent obedience underscores the primacy of doing God’s will over public recognition. Perceptions of Jesus as “the Son of Joseph” During the Galilean ministry, familiarity breeds skepticism: “Is this not the son of Joseph?” (Luke 4:22; John 6:42). The title affirms Jesus’ genuine humanity and humble upbringing while setting the stage for the revelation that His true origin is heavenly (John 6:38). Philip’s declaration, “We have found … Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45), shows early disciples grappling with the Messiah’s surprising hometown and family connections. Joseph of Arimathea: Courage at the Cross All four Gospels spotlight the respected council member who intervenes after the crucifixion. Matthew describes him as “a rich man … who himself was a disciple of Jesus” (Matthew 27:57). Mark adds that he was “a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, and he went boldly to Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body” (Mark 15:43). His actions fulfill Isaiah 53:9 (“with a rich man in His death”) and provide irrefutable proof of the bodily burial of Christ, a cornerstone for the resurrection narrative. The new tomb cut in rock (Matthew 27:60) becomes the empty tomb announced on Resurrection morning. Genealogical Josephs in Luke Three Luke’s genealogy (Luke 3:23-30) lists four men named Joseph in Jesus’ ancestral line. Each silent ancestor testifies to God’s meticulous orchestration of history, linking Abrahamic promise to Davidic royalty and finally to the Christ. Old Testament Patriarch Joseph Recounted in Acts and Hebrews Stephen’s defense (Acts 7:9-18) rehearses how God used Joseph to preserve the fledgling nation in Egypt: “But God was with him and rescued him out of all his troubles” (Acts 7:9-10). Hebrews highlights his faith at life’s end: “By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones” (Hebrews 11:22). The patriarch’s account forms a typological backdrop—betrayal leading to exaltation—that anticipates Christ’s own path from rejection to universal lordship. Joseph Barsabbas and Joseph (Barnabas): Early Church Servants • Joseph called Barsabbas, surnamed Justus, stands among the two considered to replace Judas (Acts 1:23). Though Matthias is chosen, Barsabbas exemplifies readiness for apostolic service. Joseph in Territorial and Eschatological Promise Jacob’s gift of land to Joseph (John 4:5) underlies the setting of Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman—a reminder that the Savior’s reach extends into disputed territories. Revelation includes “the tribe of Joseph” among the sealed servants of God (Revelation 7:8), signaling faithful preservation of the covenant people even in apocalyptic trial. Key Themes Associated with the Name 1. Righteous Obedience: Whether patriarch or carpenter, Josephs respond to divine revelation with immediate action. Ministry Reflections • Spiritual leadership in the home mirrors Joseph of Nazareth’s guardianship—protecting, providing, and guiding children toward God’s purposes. The recurring appearance of Ἰωσήφ across covenant epochs testifies that God consistently raises up men whose faith-filled obedience furthers His redemptive agenda, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 1:16 NGRK: ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωσὴφ τὸν ἄνδρα NAS: was the father of Joseph the husband KJV: begat Joseph the husband INT: was father of Joseph the husband Matthew 1:18 N Matthew 1:19 N Matthew 1:20 N Matthew 1:24 N Matthew 2:13 N Matthew 2:19 N Matthew 13:55 N Matthew 27:56 N Matthew 27:57 N Matthew 27:59 N Mark 15:43 N Mark 15:45 N Luke 1:27 N Luke 2:4 N Luke 2:16 N Luke 3:23 N Luke 3:24 N Luke 3:26 N Luke 3:30 N Luke 4:22 N Luke 23:50 N John 1:45 N John 4:5 N John 6:42 N Strong's Greek 2501 |
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