Joseph the legal father of Jesus Christ, by adoption
Meaning: remover or increaser; may he add
Joseph (Matthew 1:16; Luke 3:23) lived at Nazareth in Galilee (Luke 2:4).
He is called a “just man.” He was by trade a carpenter (Matthew 13:55).
He is last mentioned in connection with the journey to Jerusalem, when Jesus was 12 years old. It is probable that he died before Jesus entered on his public ministry. This is concluded from the fact that only Mary was present at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee (John 2). His name does not appear in connection with the scenes of the crucifixion along with that of Mary (John 19:25).
Joseph's ancestry—Joseph was in the line of King David and therefore held a legal right to the throne. However, because he descended from Jechonias (Matthew 1:11-12) (also called Jeconiah and Jehoiachin, he would have been disqualified by God from taking the throne. However, Mary's son would not (see: Mary).
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