What does Matthew 2:21 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 2:21 recounts the moment after Joseph, warned by an angel in a dream, is commanded to return to the land of Israel with Mary and Jesus because those who sought the child's life are dead.

This verse signifies the end of the family's flight into Egypt and the safety to return to their homeland.

It captures Joseph's obedience to God's direction and the continued fulfillment of God's plan for Jesus.

The return to Israel echoes the Old Testament exodus narrative, showcasing Jesus as a new Moses leading his people to freedom.

Historical Context

This verse is set in the historical context of King Herod's reign over Judea, which was a Roman client kingdom.

Herod, known for his brutality and paranoia around his rule, is said to have ordered the massacre of male infants in Bethlehem in an attempt to kill Jesus, whom he saw as a threat to his rule.

This prompted the Holy Family's flight to Egypt.

The verse marks the period after Herod's death in 4 B.C., when it was safe for the family to return to their homeland, specifically to the region of Galilee, according to Matthew's account.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse illustrates the concepts of divine providence and protection.

It highlights Joseph as a faithful and obedient servant of God, who acts as a guardian to the young Jesus.

In the broader scope of the Christian narrative, the return to Israel signifies that Jesus is the awaited Messiah, a belief supported by Scriptural fulfillments cited throughout Matthew's Gospel.

Alternative theological viewpoints might see this text as a retrospective prophecy, written to align Jesus' life story with Old Testament prophecies to legitimize his messianic claims. Secular interpretations could regard this story as a theological construct rather than a historical account.

Practical Applications

The verse can inspire individuals to trust in divine guidance and timing in their own lives, emulating Joseph's example of obedience and courage in the face of uncertainty.

It urges believers to discern God's will and to respond with action, despite potentially adverse circumstances.

The emphasis on family unity and protection can also resonate with modern readers, encouraging them to prioritize the well-being of their loved ones and to act with integrity when faced with difficult decisions.

Cross-References

• Hosea 11:1: "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt."
• 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."
• Matthew 2:13-15: "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."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• "ἠγέρθη" (ēgerthē): This is a form of the verb "to arise" or "to get up," stressing the immediate and obedient response of Joseph.
• "παῖδα" (paida): Translated as "young child," this term underscores Jesus' innocence and vulnerability at this stage, serving to elicit empathy and highlight his humanity.
• "Αἴγυπτον" (Aigypton): Meaning "Egypt," this word denotes the place of temporary refuge for the Holy Family and has symbolic connections to the place of bondage for the Israelites in the Old Testament.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The return from Egypt parallels the exodus of the Israelites led by Moses, as mentioned earlier.

It is an event that resonates with the Jewish tradition of deliverance from oppression.

This can be contrasted with other ancient myths where heroes often undergo a period of exile or a journey that serves as a formative stage in their story, such as the Greek tales of Hercules and his labors or the Mesopotamian epic of Gilgamesh.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific claim in this verse to analyze, modern historical-critical scholarship might examine the historical plausibility of the flight into Egypt and the return.

Archaeological and textual evidence could be considered to understand the historical events surrounding Herod's reign and any records of a massacre in Bethlehem.

It is worth noting, however, that such scholarship typically lies outside the domain of the hard sciences.

Commentaries

Commentators throughout history have provided various interpretations of this verse:

• Traditional Christian interpretations view this episode as a fulfillment of prophecy and an affirmation of Jesus' divine mission as the Messiah.
• Modern biblical scholars like Raymond E.

Brown and N.T.

Wright discuss the historicity and theological symbolism present in Matthew's infancy narrative.

They see this verse as part of an overarching Matthean theme, aimed at presenting Jesus as a fulfillment of Old Testament expectations.

• Some commentaries also explore the psychological and character development of Joseph, lauding his role as a protector and obedient servant, and use this to draw lessons about the nature of faith and discipleship.