# Joseph of Nazareth — Ben Hur character guide

> Joseph of Nazareth in Ben Hur by Lew Wallace.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Joseph, Rabbi Joseph

**First appearance:** 0001-ben-hur

## Who they are

The earthly father of Jesus, a carpenter from Nazareth.

## In the story

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/viii)

Joseph, a carpenter from Nazareth, leads his donkey carrying Mary to Bethlehem for the Roman census. He is cautious in his responses to Rabbi Samuel and protective of Mary.

### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/ix)

Joseph pleads for lodging at the khan, citing his Davidic lineage, and accepts the keeper's offer of a cave.

### [The Annunciation to the Shepherds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xi)

Present in the cave with the newborn child; his face is moved when the shepherds arrive.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/xiv)

Present as one of the few who saw the signs and believed.

### [The Mother's Counsel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/v)

Not present in this chapter.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/chapters/vii)

The carpenter and rabbi who inquires about the prisoner and identifies him as the son of Ben-Hur.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters/joseph_of_nazareth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ben_hur_se/characters