King James Version

What Does Matthew 2:13 Mean?

Matthew 2:13 in the King James Version says “And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the y... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 2:13 · KJV


Context

11

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. presented: or, offered

12

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

13

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.

14

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

15

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The angel's command to 'flee into Egypt' shows God's providential care using Egypt (former place of bondage) as a place of refuge. The urgency 'by night' reflects imminent danger. God's foreknowledge of Herod's intention to 'destroy' the child demonstrates divine protection of the Messiah despite human opposition.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Egypt had a large Jewish population in cities like Alexandria. The journey was about 75 miles—manageable but dangerous. The timing of the Magi's gifts was providential, providing resources for this unexpected flight. Egypt remained safe until Herod's death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God protected you from dangers you didn't fully recognize at the time?
  2. What does this passage teach about trusting God's guidance even when it requires urgent action?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 40 words
Ἀναχωρησάντων1 of 40

were departed

G402

to retire

δὲ2 of 40

And

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτό3 of 40

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἰδού,4 of 40

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἄγγελος5 of 40

the angel

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

Κυρίου6 of 40

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

φαίνεται7 of 40

appeareth

G5316

to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

κατ'8 of 40

in

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὄναρ9 of 40

a dream

G3677

a dream

τῷ10 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰωσὴφ11 of 40

to Joseph

G2501

joseph, the name of seven israelites

λέγων,12 of 40

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἐγερθεὶς13 of 40

Arise

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

παράλαβε14 of 40

and take

G3880

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

τὸ15 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παιδίον16 of 40

the young child

G3813

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

καὶ17 of 40

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν18 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μητέρα19 of 40

mother

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

αὐτό20 of 40

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ21 of 40

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

φεῦγε22 of 40

flee

G5343

to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish

εἰς23 of 40

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Αἴγυπτον24 of 40

Egypt

G125

aegyptus, the land of the nile

καὶ25 of 40

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἴσθι26 of 40

be thou

G2468

be thou

ἐκεῖ27 of 40

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither

ἕως28 of 40

until

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἂν29 of 40

I

G302

whatsoever

εἴπω30 of 40

bring

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

σοί·31 of 40

thee

G4671

to thee

μέλλει32 of 40

will

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

γὰρ33 of 40

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

Ἡρῴδης34 of 40

Herod

G2264

heroic; herod, the name of four jewish kings

ζητεῖν35 of 40

seek

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

τὸ36 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παιδίον37 of 40

the young child

G3813

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

τοῦ38 of 40
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπολέσαι39 of 40

to destroy

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

αὐτό40 of 40

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 2:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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