King James Version

What Does Matthew 2:15 Mean?

Matthew 2:15 in the King James Version says “And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, ...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Matthew 2:15 · KJV

Context

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.

16

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 enquired of the wise men.

17

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

Read Matthew 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'Out of Egypt have I called my son' quotes Hosea 11:1, originally about Israel's exodus. Matthew sees a typological fulfillment—as Israel was God's 'son' called from Egypt, so Jesus (the true Israel) recapitulates Israel's experience but succeeds where they failed. Jesus' stay 'until the death of Herod' protected God's redemptive plan.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Hosea 11:1 (written around 750 BC) reflected on the Exodus (c. 1446 BC). Matthew's 'fulfilled' shows how Christ consummates Old Testament patterns. Jesus embodies Israel's calling, perfectly obeying where Israel rebelled. This is typological prophecy, not mere prediction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' identification with Israel encourage you when you face trials?
  2. In what ways does Jesus fulfill what you could never accomplish?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

ἦν2 of 24

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἐκεῖ3 of 24

“there”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

ἕως4 of 24

“until”

G2193

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

τὸν5 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

τελευτῆς6 of 24

“the death”

G5054

decease

Ἡρῴδου·7 of 24

“of Herod”

G2264

heroic; herod, the name of four jewish kings

ἵνα8 of 24

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

πληρωθῇ9 of 24

“it might be fulfilled”

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

τὸν10 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

ῥηθὲν11 of 24

“was spoken”

G4483

to utter, i.e., speak or say

ὑπὸ12 of 24

“of”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τὸν13 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

Κυρίου14 of 24

“the Lord”

G2962

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

διὰ15 of 24

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸν16 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

προφήτου17 of 24

“the prophet”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

λέγοντος18 of 24

“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

Ἐξ19 of 24

“Out of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

Αἰγύπτου20 of 24

“Egypt”

G125

aegyptus, the land of the nile

ἐκάλεσα21 of 24

“have I called”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

τὸν22 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

υἱόν23 of 24

“son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

μου24 of 24

“my”

G3450

of me

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 2:15 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 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 11:1Exodus 4:22Numbers 24:8Luke 24:44Matthew 1:22Matthew 2:17

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Matthew 2 →

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