Definition: Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 1:24. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious beginning to the story of Jesus. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse tells us that Joseph, who was previously asleep and dead, was awakened by an angel and then taken to meet his future wife, Mary. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then Joseph being raised from sleep…” – This is a big one! "Being raised from sleep" means he woke up after being buried for many years. It’s a huge shift in time and destiny. “…did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him…” – This is key. The angel of the Lord is a very important figure in Jewish tradition, often associated with God himself. The angel was telling Joseph to do something . “and took unto him his wife:” – This means he took Mary, his wife, away from her previous life. It’s a significant step in establishing the beginning of their relationship and future family. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is often interpreted as a symbolic introduction to the narrative of Jesus' birth. It suggests that God is working through Joseph in a way that will lead to the salvation of humanity. It points towards a divine plan, a purpose for Joseph’s life, and the beginning of a new era – the arrival of Christ. Important Note: The exact meaning and context are debated among scholars, but this verse is considered one of the most significant in Matthew and offers a sense of anticipation and destiny surrounding the birth of Jesus. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain what "the angel of the Lord" represents? Discuss the symbolism behind the story? Compare it to other biblical stories about beginnings or divine appointments?