Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 1:25

"and knew her not till she had brought forth a son: and he called his name JESUS." — Matthew 1:25 (ASV)

Till she had brought forth her first-born son — The word “firstborn” is not found in the best manuscripts. The questions that arise here, unprofitable as they are, cannot be passed over entirely. What bearing do these words have on the widespread belief of Christendom in the perpetual virginity of Mary? On what grounds does that belief itself rest?