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Matthew 2

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,

In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

What does Matthew 2:13 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 2:13 reveals the divine intervention in ensuring the safety of the infant Jesus Christ from the wrath of King Herod.

The verse occurs immediately after the visit of the Magi or Wise Men, who brought gifts to the newborn "king of the Jews." In a dream, an angel of the Lord warns Joseph of Herod's imminent plan to search for and kill Jesus.

The angel instructs Joseph to escape to Egypt with his family and remain there until further notice.

This passage underscores God's protection of His son, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the obedient response of Joseph to divine guidance.

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Historical Context

This verse is situated in the context of King Herod the Great's reign over Judea, a region under Roman influence.

Herod, known for his monumental building projects and political astuteness, was also notorious for his ruthlessness and willingness to eliminate any perceived threats to his throne.

The mention of Egypt as the place of refuge holds historical significance because during this era, Egypt was a Roman province relatively free from Herod's influence and had a sizable Jewish population, making it a reasonable asylum for Joseph's family.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse has several implications.

Firstly, it confirms the divinity of Jesus as one whose life and mission are of cosmic importance, meriting angelic intervention.

Secondly, it illustrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies such as Hosea 11:1, "out of Egypt I called my son," connecting Jesus to the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's redemption plan.

Lastly, it highlights the theme of God's providential care, as seen in the preservation of Jesus from Herod's decree.

Practical Applications

This verse can teach contemporary readers about the importance of responding to divine guidance and the significance of taking action to protect those who are vulnerable.

Joseph's example serves as a model for obedience and active faith in the face of danger.

The prompt response to God's warning suggests that discerning and reacting to guidance, whether one perceives it as divine or otherwise, is crucial in times of crisis.

Cross-References

Hosea 11:1 - "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt." 2.

Exodus 4:19 - "And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life." 3.

Revelation 12:4-5 - "And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born." 4.

Matthew 2:20 - "Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life."

Language Study

In the original Greek language of the New Testament, key words in this verse are critical for understanding its meaning.

"Angel" (ἄγγελος or "angelos") generally refers to a messenger from God.
"Lord" (Κυρίου or "Kyriou") here signifies the divine authority instructing Joseph.
"Arise" (Ἐγερθεὶς or "Egertheis") is an imperative, urging immediate action.
"Flee" (φεῦγε or "pheuge") indicates the urgency and necessity of leaving quickly to avoid danger.
"Child" (παιδίον or "paidion") refers to a young child, emphasizing Jesus's vulnerability at this stage.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This narrative bears similarities to stories in other ancient cultures and religions where a young hero survives an early threat to their life.

The tale of Moses, whose mother put him in a basket in the Nile to save him from Pharaoh's edict to kill Hebrew infants, is an immediate example within the Jewish tradition.

In broader mythology, similar themes appear in the stories of figures like Sargon of Akkad, Romulus and Remus in Roman mythology, and even the Hindu god Krishna, all of whom faced perilous starts to their lives but were destined for greatness.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives primarily engage with this verse in terms of historical and archaeological research.

Scholars might explore the socio-political realities of Herod’s rule and the likelihood of a family finding refuge in Egypt.

Scientific study also examines how dream phenomena are represented in ancient texts, including how they might combine religious experience with the cognitive processes of dreaming.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians provide various interpretations of this verse.

Some focus on its function within Matthew's Gospel to draw parallels between Jesus and Moses, while others examine how Matthew uses this event to portray Jesus as the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament.

The urgency and divine direction communicated through the angel are seen by some commentators as indicative of God's intimate involvement in the pivotal events of Jesus's life.

Overall, commentaries tend to agree on the significance of divine protection and fulfillment of prophecy as central themes of this verse.

Matthew 2

Matthew 2

What does Matthew 2:13 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 2:13 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?