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Matthew 1:19 |
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Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
Note 2 at Mt 1:19: Joseph was called Mary's husband although they had not consummated the marriage yet (Mt 1:18 - "before they came together"). This was because the Jews considered the betrothal, or engagement, an act of marriage. This was why Joseph was planning on divorcing Mary (Mal 2:15-16 - "putting away"). According to the Law of Moses, Joseph should have stoned Mary (De 22:23-24), but instead, he was planning on divorcing her privately.

