Matthew 2:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} being warned of God {G5537} in {G2596} a dream {G3677} that they should {G344} not {G3361} return {G344} to {G4314} Herod {G2264}, they departed {G402} into {G1519} their own {G846} country {G5561} another {G1223}{G243} way {G3598}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they took another route back to their own country.

Berean Standard Bible

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their country by another route.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 2:12 narrates the pivotal moment when the Wise Men, having worshipped the newborn King Jesus, received a divine warning in a dream not to return to the treacherous King Herod. In immediate and obedient response to this supernatural instruction, they chose an alternative route for their journey home, thereby circumventing Herod's murderous plot and ensuring the safety of the Christ child. This verse underscores God's active protection of His Son and His sovereign control over human schemes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the narrative of the Wise Men's visit to Bethlehem, which begins in [Matthew 2:1](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1 - The Magi Arrive"). Prior to this, the Magi, guided by a star, arrived in Jerusalem, causing a stir and alerting King Herod to the birth of a "King of the Jews." Herod, feigning a desire to worship the child, cunningly instructed the Magi to report back to him after finding Jesus ([Matthew 2:8](/matthew/2-8 "Matthew 2:8 - Herod's Deceptive Request")). The Magi then found Jesus in Bethlehem, worshipped Him, and presented Him with gifts ([Matthew 2:9-11](/matthew/2-9-11 "Matthew 2:9-11 - The Magi Worship Jesus")). Matthew 2:12 serves as the immediate aftermath of their worship, highlighting God's direct intervention to protect Jesus from Herod's malevolent intentions. It sets the stage for Joseph's subsequent dream and the family's flight to Egypt ([Matthew 2:13-15](/matthew/2-13-15 "Matthew 2:13-15 - Flight to Egypt")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Herod the Great, ruling Judea under Roman authority, was notoriously paranoid and ruthless, known for eliminating perceived threats to his throne, including members of his own family. The arrival of "wise men from the East" (Magi), likely Persian or Babylonian astrologer-priests, seeking a "King of the Jews," would have immediately triggered his deep-seated insecurities. Dreams were a recognized medium for divine communication in both Jewish and pagan cultures of the ancient Near East, though the Bible consistently portrays God as the true source of such revelatory dreams for His purposes. The Magi's decision to depart "another way" was not merely a change of travel plans but a direct act of defiance against a powerful, tyrannical ruler, demonstrating their profound trust in the divine warning over earthly authority.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew chapter 2](/matthew/2 "Matthew 2 - The Birth of Jesus and the Flight to Egypt") is rich with themes that culminate in this verse. One prominent theme is **Divine Guidance and Protection**, as God actively intervenes through dreams to direct and safeguard His Son, first with Joseph ([Matthew 1:20](/matthew/1-20 "Matthew 1:20 - Joseph's First Dream")) and now with the Magi. Another crucial theme is **Obedience to God's Word**, exemplified by the Magi's immediate compliance with the divine warning, prioritizing God's command over Herod's deceptive request. This obedience directly contributes to the theme of **God's Sovereignty Over Evil**, demonstrating that no human scheme, however powerful or cunning, can thwart God's ultimate plan for His Messiah. The narrative also subtly highlights the **Contrast Between True and False Worship**, where the Magi genuinely worship Jesus, while Herod's feigned worship masks murderous intent, foreshadowing the opposition Jesus would face.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **warned of God (Greek, _chrēmatízō'_):** This verb signifies a divine communication or instruction, often in the form of an oracle or a direct revelation from God. It implies that the warning was not a mere human intuition or a common dream, but a specific, authoritative message originating from God Himself. The use of this word emphasizes the supernatural and authoritative nature of the message received by the Magi, underscoring that their subsequent actions were a direct response to God's will.
* **dream (Greek, _ónar'_):** This noun refers to a vision or message received during sleep. In biblical contexts, dreams frequently serve as a medium for divine revelation, particularly in the Old Testament (e.g., Jacob, Joseph, Daniel) and early New Testament narratives (e.g., Joseph in [Matthew 1:20](/matthew/1-20 "Matthew 1:20 - Joseph's First Dream") and [Matthew 2:13](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - Joseph's Second Dream")). Its inclusion here specifies the precise mode of God's communication to the Magi, highlighting the supernatural and direct nature of the warning.
* **departed (Greek, _anachōréō'_):** This verb means "to retire," "to withdraw oneself," or "to go aside." It describes the action taken by the Magi in response to the divine warning. Their departure "another way" (G1223 `állos` and G3598 `hodós`) signifies a deliberate change of course, a strategic withdrawal from Herod's sphere of influence, and an act of obedience that directly thwarts the king's murderous intentions. This word emphasizes their active, decisive, and obedient response to God's instruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And being warned of God in a dream":** This opening clause establishes the divine source and supernatural mode of the instruction given to the Magi. The passive voice ("being warned") emphasizes that God was the active agent in communicating this message. The specific mention of a "dream" highlights the direct, personal, and unmistakable nature of this divine intervention, leaving no doubt as to the origin of the warning.
* **"that they should not return to Herod":** This specifies the content and purpose of the divine warning. It directly countermands Herod's earlier deceptive instruction to the Magi to report back to him. God's explicit prohibition reveals Herod's true, malevolent intent (to kill the child) and underscores God's protective oversight of the newborn King.
* **"they departed into their own country another way":** This final clause details the Magi's immediate and obedient response to the divine warning. Their action of "departing another way" demonstrates their faithfulness to God's instruction, even if it meant defying a powerful earthly ruler and altering their planned return journey. This act of obedience directly frustrates Herod's plot and ensures the safety of Jesus, fulfilling God's protective purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 2:12 employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is evident in Herod's deceptive request for the Magi to report back to him under the guise of worship, which is entirely subverted by God's direct intervention. Herod's cunning is rendered futile by divine wisdom. **Foreshadowing** is also present, as this initial attempt on Jesus' life by an earthly king foreshadows the ongoing opposition and rejection Jesus would face throughout His ministry, ultimately leading to His crucifixion at the hands of earthly authorities. The "dream" itself functions as **Divine Intervention**, a classic literary motif where a supernatural force directly influences the narrative's direction, emphasizing God's active role in protecting His plan and His Messiah. The phrase "another way" serves as a powerful **Symbol** of obedience and the thwarting of evil, representing a path chosen not by human convenience or design, but by divine command, leading away from danger and towards the fulfillment of God's purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 2:12 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous providence and His active involvement in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. It reveals a God who is not distant or passive, but intimately engaged in protecting His Son from the forces of evil, even from the most powerful earthly rulers. The divine warning to the Magi underscores that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human malice or deception. This incident serves as an early testament to the truth that God's sovereign will ultimately prevails, ensuring the safety of the Messiah and the continuation of the lineage through which salvation would come. The Magi's immediate obedience to this divine instruction highlights the importance of heeding God's voice, even when it requires defying worldly authority or changing one's plans.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 2:12 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us of God's ever-present guidance and protection in our lives. Just as the Magi received a clear, divine warning, we are called to cultivate spiritual discernment and attentiveness to God's voice, primarily through His inspired Word, prayer, and the counsel of godly community. In a world often filled with deception and danger, this verse reassures us that God is actively working to safeguard His purposes and His people. We can trust in His sovereign care, knowing that He can deliver us from harm or guide us through challenging circumstances, even when faced with powerful opposition. The Magi's immediate and unquestioning obedience, choosing God's command over Herod's deceptive request, serves as a powerful model for us. It challenges us to prioritize faithfulness to God above worldly pressures, personal convenience, or the expectations of others, trusting that His ways are always ultimately for our good and His glory. Our obedience, like theirs, may require us to take a "different way" than the world expects, but it is always the path of wisdom and true security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to be more attentive to God's warnings or guidance?**
* **How does the Magi's immediate obedience challenge my own willingness to follow God's direction, especially when it's inconvenient or goes against worldly expectations?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to trust in God's protection when I feel vulnerable or threatened by external forces?**

### FAQ
**Why did God warn the Wise Men in a dream instead of some other way?**

Answer: God often communicated through dreams in the Old Testament and early New Testament narratives, especially when dealing with individuals who might not have had direct access to prophetic revelation or written scripture. For the Wise Men, who were likely Gentile astrologers, a dream was a common and understandable medium for receiving divine instruction. It was a direct, unmistakable, and personal form of communication that left no doubt as to its supernatural origin and divine authority. This method also allowed for a discreet warning, circumventing Herod's surveillance and ensuring the safety of the Christ child without a public confrontation. God chooses the most effective and appropriate means to convey His will, and in this case, a dream served His protective purposes perfectly, as seen also in Joseph's multiple dreams in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus") and [Matthew 2](/matthew/2 "Matthew 2 - The Birth of Jesus and the Flight to Egypt").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 2:12, though seemingly a simple narrative detail, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications, demonstrating God's meticulous protection of His Son from the very beginning of His earthly life. The divine warning to the Magi and their subsequent obedience ensured that the promised Messiah, the true King of Israel, would not be prematurely cut off by the machinations of an earthly tyrant. This act of divine preservation foreshadows the greater salvation that Jesus would accomplish. Just as Jesus was protected from Herod's sword, He would later willingly lay down His life, not as a victim of human evil, but as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His survival in infancy was essential for Him to grow, fulfill the prophecies of His ministry, and ultimately offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for humanity's redemption. The "another way" the Magi took prefigures the "new and living way" that Jesus Himself would inaugurate through His death and resurrection ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")), granting access to God that Herod, in his earthly power, could never comprehend or prevent. Thus, this verse is a foundational testament to God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, ensuring that His Son would live to accomplish the ultimate work of salvation, defeating not just a king's plot, but the power of sin and death itself ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 2:19

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

Matthew 2:22

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:

Matthew 2:13

¶ 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.

Matthew 27:19

When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

Genesis 31:24

And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Matthew 1:20

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Exodus 1:17

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.