Translation
But, after he had considered
Go to footnote numberthese things, behold, an angel of the LORD appeared to him in a dream, saying,
“JOSEPH
Go to footnote numberdo not be afraid to take MARY
as your wife, for what has been conceived in her is indeed from the Holy Spirit.
Go to footnote numberParaphrase
But, after he had endured an emotionally charged inner debate and finally decided what to do, he was in for a surprise because a messenger from THE SUPREME RULER appeared to him in a dream, saying, “YOU WHO ARE INCREASING and are a product of THE ONE WHO IS LOVED, do not be afraid to take THE [PREVIOUSLY] REBELLIOUS ONE as your wife, for what has been conceived in her is indeed a product of the Holy Spirit.
Footnotes
1: “considered”
This Greek word comes from two words, “in” and “passionately, or spirited” and refers specifically to the thought process of the mind, and pictures impassioned cogitation, or spirited inner debate. Actually the English word “debate” does not appear as part of the definition of this word, but inner debate with high emotion is exactly what it is. The choices of “ponder” or “consider” are proper choices, but they fail to communicate the emotion involved in this mental process.
2
The name Joseph means “increasing” but it didn’t seem to him at that moment like he was “increasing.” Everything seemed to be falling apart. He was at the bottom of the barrel and someone had just nailed the lid down tight. And yet, the angel calls him by name.
3: “from the Holy Spirit”
Here is the angel’s message in modern lingo: “Hey Joseph, that crazy story Mary told you about an angel and how the Holy Spirit got her pregnant, well, it’s true! Believe the unbelievable. In fact, do more than just believe it, take action that will stake your reputation, and possibly your future livelihood, on something absolutely crazy. Marry her. Stick your neck out, be willing to suffer much ridicule and name-calling simply because a messenger from God told you to.”