Ἰωσήφ (Iōsēph)
Iōsēph
Joseph
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 35 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek name Iōsēph is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew Yosef, meaning "he will add." It appears thirty-five times in the New Testament, serving as a common identifier for several distinct figures across the biblical narrative. The sources list seven specific individuals who bear this name, ranging from Old Testament patriarchs to key supporters of Jesus.
Most frequently, the word refers to Joseph, the husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus (Matthew 1:16; Luke 1:27). It also identifies Joseph of Arimathea, the council member who provided his own tomb for Jesus’ burial (Mark 15:43). Other notable bearers include the patriarch, son of Jacob (John 4:5), and Joseph surnamed Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus mentioned in Acts (Acts 4:36).
The recurrence of this name highlights a pattern in Scripture where familiar Jewish names bridge the gap between Israel’s ancient history and the early church. By using the same designation for the ancestor who sold into Egypt and the disciple who buried the Savior, the text creates a subtle continuity of identity within the people of God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Joseph appears throughout Scripture, linking the ancient stories of Israel with the life of Jesus. It means "he will add," a reminder that God brings increase and provision even in difficult times. Whether referring to the patriarch sold into Egypt or the earthly father of Jesus, the name carries a sense of faithful stewardship.
In the Gospels, Joseph is often seen listening quietly to God’s direction. He takes Mary as his wife, protects the child Jesus by fleeing to Egypt, and provides for His family in Nazareth. This pattern shows that faithfulness often looks like quiet obedience rather than loud declarations. We can trust that God uses ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary plans.
When we face uncertainty, we can look to these examples of trust. Joseph’s life reminds us that God is present in the details of our daily choices. His name points to a God who adds grace to our lives and keeps His promises across generations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 35 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Joseph19×
- of Joseph8×
- to Joseph3×
- to Joseph.1×
- to Joseph,1×
- of Joseph.1×
- of Joseph,1×
- Joseph.1×
- Joseph,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰωσὴφ30×
- Ἰωσήφ.3×
- Ἰωσήφ,3×
Key Verses
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Matthew 1:20
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take to yourself Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
The angel addresses him directly as 'son of David,' confirming Jesus' royal lineage while reassuring Joseph not to fear taking Mary into his home.
-
Luke 2:43
and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn’t know it,
This verse highlights the normalcy of Jesus' childhood, showing Joseph and Mary participating in Jewish traditions without yet understanding the full scope of His mission.
-
Matthew 27:57
When evening had come, a rich man from Arimathaea named Joseph, who himself was also Jesus’ disciple, came.
Joseph of Arimathea is described as a disciple who boldly requests Jesus' body, demonstrating that faith can manifest in courageous acts of honor even after the crucifixion.
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John 6:42
They said, “Isn’t this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then does he say, ‘I have come down out of heaven’?”
The crowd questions Jesus’ divine origin based on their knowledge of His earthly father, illustrating how human understanding often falls short of spiritual truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Joseph mean?
How many different people named Joseph are in the New Testament?
Why is Joseph called the son of David?
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Every Occurrence (35 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 11 verses
Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Matthew 1:18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,…
Matthew 1:19Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away…
Matthew 1:20But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son…
Matthew 1:24Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife to himself;
Matthew 2:13Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the…
Matthew 2:19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,
Matthew 13:55Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?
Matthew 27:56Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
Matthew 27:57When evening had come, a rich man from Arimathaea named Joseph, who himself was also Jesus’ disciple, came.
Matthew 27:59Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth