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Deuteronomy 22:22-27
If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die,both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel…

Matthew 1:18,19
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost…

who was pledged to him in marriage
Mary was betrothed to Joseph, a legally binding agreement in Jewish culture, akin to marriage but without cohabitation. This betrothal period was significant, as it demonstrated Joseph's righteousness and obedience to God's will, especially after the angelic revelation regarding Mary's divine conception (Matthew 1:18-25). The betrothal underscores the sanctity and seriousness of their relationship, which was protected by Jewish law, and highlights the social expectations and norms of first-century Judea.

and was expecting a child
Mary's pregnancy is central to the narrative of Jesus' miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the prophecy ofIsaiah 7:14 about a virgin bearing a son. This phrase emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus' birth, setting the stage for His role as the Savior. The expectation of the child also points to the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, as Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. The cultural context of a betrothed woman being pregnant would have been scandalous, yet it highlights the faith and obedience of both Mary and Joseph in God's plan.

Joseph, a descendant of David, traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

•Luke 2:4 notes Bethlehem as “the City of David,” aligning Joseph with the royal line God promised would bring Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12–16).

•Micah 5:2 foretells that the Ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem, showing that the journey fulfills prophecy.

•Matthew 2:6 restates Micah’s prophecy, confirming God’s sovereign orchestration of circumstances.

The Roman census required every man to record his household in his ancestral town.

•Romans 13:1 teaches, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities,” and Joseph’s compliance models respectful obedience.

•Acts 17:26 reminds that God “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands,” so even an imperial decree serves divine purpose.

•Proverbs 21:1 displays God directing rulers’ decisions, ensuring the census brings Mary to the prophesied birthplace.

Mary’s presence underscores family unity and the significance of the coming birth.

•Matthew 1:24 shows Joseph taking Mary into his home after the angel’s assurance, signifying protection and honor.

•Amos 3:3 highlights agreement in walking together; Joseph and Mary move in step with God’s plan.

•Genesis 2:24 speaks of man and wife being “one flesh,” foreshadowing their upcoming married life under God’s covenant.

They were in the legally binding betrothal phase, yet the marriage had not been consummated.

•Matthew 1:18–19 clarifies that Mary was “pledged to be married” when she conceived by the Holy Spirit, preserving Jesus’ divine origin.

•Deuteronomy 22:23–24 illustrates the seriousness of betrothal in Jewish law, treating it as covenantal.

•Hebrews 13:4 upholds the honor of marriage, and their restraint demonstrates obedience and purity.

Mary carried the promised Messiah, conceived supernaturally.

•Luke 1:35: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you… the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.”

•Isaiah 7:14 foretells, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,” highlighting the miracle.

•Galatians 4:4 speaks of God sending His Son “when the fullness of time had come,” confirming that Mary’s pregnancy fulfilled heaven’s timetable.

Luke 2:5 captures Joseph’s obedient journey, the lawful census, the unity of Joseph and Mary, the sanctity of their betrothal, and the miraculous pregnancy. Every phrase threads civil history with divine prophecy, proving that God faithfully guides humble believers to fulfill His eternal plan of redemption through Christ.

With Mary his espoused wife.--Many of the best MSS. omit the substantive: "with Mary who was betrothed to him." The choice of the participle seems intended to imply the fact on which St. Matthew lays stress (Matthew 1:25). She went up with him, not necessarily because she too had to be registered at Bethlehem, but because her state, as "being great with child," made her, in a special sense, dependent on Joseph's presence and protection.