5361. 'Even as Joseph had said' means as was foreseen by the celestial of the spiritual. This is clear from the meaning of 'saying' in the historical narratives of the Word as perceiving, often dealt with in previous explanations, and therefore - when used in reference to the Lord, who is 'Joseph' here - perceiving from within Himself, and so foreseeing, is meant; and from the representation of 'Joseph' as the celestial of the spiritual, dealt with in 5249, 5307, 5331, 5332.