Matthew 1:19

Just. Gr. dikaios, which may describe one who is correct, as observant of rules and customs, or righteous, as in accordance with what is right. In the NT dikaios is often used in the broad sense of correspondence to the divine standard. Thus Zacharias and Elisabeth (Luke 1:5, 6), Simeon (Luke 2:25), and Joseph of Arimathaea (Luke 23:50) are all described as dikaios. Pilate’s wife referred to Jesus as a “just man,” Gr. dikaios (Matt. 27:19). From the Jewish point of view a “just man” was a strict observer of the laws of Moses and of rabbinical traditions. As a result, Joseph may have questioned whether it would be morally right for him to marry someone who, it appeared, was an adulteress.

Not willing. Joseph tempered his sense of justice with mercy for the supposed offender. He was “not willing” to bring upon Mary additional embarrassment and suffering. The presumed offense was against himself. He could legally “put her away” merely by declaring that she did not please him (Matt. 19:3, 8; Mark 10:4), without mentioning his reason for doing so.

A public example. The fact that Joseph sought to spare Mary the embarrassment of a public trial is evidence of his own integrity as well as of his considerateness toward her.

Minded to put her away. Or, “resolved to divorce her” (RSV). From the time of betrothal both parties were legally bound, each to the other, and might be separated only by divorce (see on chs. 1:18; 5:27).