Families of Jesu · New Testament
The Story of Joseph of Nazareth
Husband of Mary. Not Joseph son of Jacob or Joseph of Arimathea.
Also: Joseph, Yusufu (Kiswahili)
Carpenter of Nazareth, descendant of David, husband of Mary, who raised Jesus.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Joseph, a righteous man of David's line, was engaged to Mary. When he learned she was pregnant, an angel told him in a dream to take her as his wife, and he did. Matthew 1:16–24Luke 1:27
He went with Mary to Bethlehem, took the family to Egypt and back to Nazareth at God's direction, and searched for the boy Jesus in Jerusalem. Jesus was known as the carpenter's son. Luke 2:4–5Matthew 2:13–23Luke 2:41–48Matthew 13:55
Life at a glance
- Descent
- Of the house and line of David Luke 2:4Matthew 1:20
- Work
- Carpenter Matthew 13:55
- Wife
- Mary Matthew 1:24
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Joseph of Nazareth
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
The angel in a dream
Joseph plans to divorce Mary quietly, but an angel tells him the child is from the Holy Spirit; he takes Mary home as his wife and names the child Jesus.
More about this event
People: Mary, mother of Jesus, Jesus
To Bethlehem
Joseph goes with Mary to Bethlehem to be registered, where Jesus is born.
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People: Mary, mother of Jesus, Jesus
To Egypt and Nazareth
Warned in dreams, Joseph flees to Egypt with Mary and Jesus, returns after Herod's death, and settles in Nazareth.
More about this event
People: Mary, mother of Jesus, Jesus
Searching for the boy Jesus
Returning from Passover, Joseph and Mary search for Jesus and find him in the temple after three days.
More about this event
People: Mary, mother of Jesus, Jesus
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Joseph of Nazareth. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Direct reference
- John 6:42 — Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph?
Genealogy
- Luke 3:23 — Jesus was supposed to be the son of Joseph.
Family and relationships
- Mary, mother of JesusWifeMatthew 1:24
- JesusRaised Jesus as his sonLuke 2:48Luke 3:23
- DavidAncestorMatthew 1:20
Books associated with Joseph of Nazareth
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
Obedience
Stories and studies
- The Birth of Jesus Story
Joseph is told in dreams to take Mary as his wife and to flee to Egypt.
- Abuse and Unsafe Relationships Life situation
Joseph takes Mary and the child to safety.
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