King James Version

What Does Matthew 2:21 Mean?

Matthew 2:21 in the King James Version says “And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 2:21 · KJV


Context

19

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

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.

21

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

22

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:

23

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Joseph's obedient return to Israel demonstrates continued trust in God's guidance despite previous danger. The phrase 'land of Israel' emphasizes the covenantal significance of the promised land as the setting for Messiah's ministry. Joseph's faithful obedience shows that true faith perseveres in following God's leading, even when circumstances have been threatening.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The return occurred after Herod's death in 4 BC, when Jesus was likely 2-3 years old. The family's years in Egypt were formative, though Scripture is silent about this period, emphasizing instead God's providential protection and guidance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Joseph's continued obedience after facing persecution model persevering faith?
  2. What does the return to Israel signify about God's covenant faithfulness to His promises?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
1 of 15
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 15

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐγερθεὶς3 of 15

he arose

G1453

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

παρέλαβεν4 of 15

and took

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

τὸ5 of 15
G3588

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

παιδίον6 of 15

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

καὶ7 of 15

and

G2532

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

τὴν8 of 15
G3588

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

μητέρα9 of 15

mother

G3384

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

αὐτοῦ10 of 15

his

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

καὶ11 of 15

and

G2532

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

ἦλθεν12 of 15

came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς13 of 15

into

G1519

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

γῆν14 of 15

the land

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Ἰσραήλ15 of 15

of Israel

G2474

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)


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 2:21 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 2:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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