Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Cross-references
Matthew 1:16 introduces Joseph as Mary's husband; verse 18 clarifies they were betrothed when she conceived.
Matthew 1:20 reveals Mary's pregnancy was from the Holy Spirit, resolving the mystery introduced in verse 18.
Genesis 3:15 promises the woman's seed who will crush the serpent — Matthew 1:18 describes the conception of that seed, Jesus, by the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:27-38 recounts the angel's announcement to Mary of virgin conception by the Holy Spirit — the same event Matthew summarizes.
Luke 1:35 explains the same conception: the Holy Spirit will overshadow Mary, and the child will be called Son of God.
Hebrews 10:5 quotes Christ saying God prepared a body for him — the very body conceived by the Holy Spirit here.
Deuteronomy 22:23 reveals that sex with a betrothed woman was punishable by death, highlighting the seriousness of Mary's pregnancy.
Luke 2:5 corroborates that Mary was betrothed to Joseph and pregnant, paralleling the account in Matthew 1:18.
Galatians 4:4 confirms Jesus was 'born of woman' at God's appointed time — echoing the historical birth here.
Deuteronomy 20:7 establishes betrothal as legally binding, providing background for Mary's betrothed status in Matthew 1:18.