Matthew 2:13

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when they {G846} were departed {G402}, behold {G2400}, the angel {G32} of the Lord {G2962} appeareth {G5316} to Joseph {G2501} in {G2596} a dream {G3677}, saying {G3004}, Arise {G1453}, and take {G3880} the young child {G3813} and {G2532} his {G846} mother {G3384}, and {G2532} flee {G5343} into {G1519} Egypt {G125}, and {G2532} be thou {G2468} there {G1563} until {G2193} I {G302} bring {G2036} thee {G4671} word {G2036}: for {G1063} Herod {G2264} will {G3195} seek {G2212} the young child {G3813} to destroy {G622} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After they had gone, an angel of ADONAI appeared to Yosef in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and escape to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you to leave. For Herod is going to look for the child in order to kill him."

Berean Standard Bible

When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.”

American Standard Version

Now when they were departed, behold, an 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 tell thee: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 2:13 records a pivotal moment in the early life of Jesus, where divine intervention safeguards the Messiah from the murderous intent of King Herod. Following the departure of the Magi, an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to immediately take Jesus and Mary and flee to Egypt. This urgent command is given because Herod, fearing a rival to his throne, is actively seeking to destroy the young child. Joseph's prompt obedience to this divine warning ensures the safety of the Holy Family, highlighting God's sovereign protection and the early opposition faced by the Son of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 2:13 immediately follows the departure of the Magi, who, having worshipped the newborn King, were divinely warned in a dream not to return to Herod (Matthew 2:12). This verse marks a direct continuation of God's active involvement in protecting Jesus. The narrative shifts from the joyous worship of the Magi to the grave danger posed by Herod, setting the stage for the Holy Family's flight. This dream is the second of four significant dreams Joseph experiences in Matthew's Gospel, each serving as a divine directive concerning Jesus' safety and future ([Matthew 1:20](/matthew/1-20 "Matthew 1:20 - Joseph's First Dream"); [Matthew 2:13](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - Flight to Egypt"); [Matthew 2:19](/matthew/2-19 "Matthew 2:19 - Return from Egypt"); [Matthew 2:22](/matthew/2-22 "Matthew 2:22 - Settlement in Nazareth")). The abrupt transition underscores the imminent threat and the necessity of immediate obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Herod the Great, who ruled Judea as a client king under Rome (37-4 BC), was notorious for his paranoia and ruthless cruelty, especially towards perceived threats to his power. His reign was marked by political intrigue and a willingness to eliminate rivals, including members of his own family. The arrival of the Magi, seeking a "king of the Jews," would have deeply alarmed him, triggering his characteristic insecurity and violence. Egypt, a neighboring Roman province, served as a common refuge for those fleeing persecution from Judea, as it was outside Herod's jurisdiction and had a significant Jewish diaspora community, offering a degree of safety and anonymity. Travel would have been arduous, requiring significant resources and faith from Joseph.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Protection and Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous oversight and active intervention to safeguard His Son from the very beginning, ensuring His redemptive plan cannot be thwarted by human evil, as seen consistently throughout [scripture](/psalms/121-7-8 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord will protect you"). Secondly, **Obedience to Divine Instruction** is a prominent theme, exemplified by Joseph's immediate and unquestioning response to the angelic warning, mirroring the faithful obedience of Abraham and other patriarchs. Thirdly, the early **Threat to the Messiah** underscores the spiritual conflict surrounding Jesus' person and mission from His infancy, foreshadowing the opposition and suffering He would endure throughout His earthly ministry, culminating in His passion, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). Finally, while not explicitly stated in this verse, the flight to Egypt is later presented in [Matthew 2:15](/matthew/2-15 "Matthew 2:15 - Fulfillment of Prophecy") as a **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, connecting Jesus' life to the Old Testament narrative of Israel, particularly the exodus, and identifying Him as God's true Son.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **angel (Greek, _ángelos'_):** This term refers to a messenger, specifically a divine messenger (G32). In this context, it emphasizes that the warning to Joseph comes directly from God, conveying divine authority and urgency. The angel of the Lord often signifies a special manifestation of God's presence or a divine emissary with a crucial message, highlighting the supernatural nature of the intervention.
* **dream (Greek, _ónar'_):** A dream (G3677) is a recurring motif in Matthew's infancy narrative as a means of divine communication, particularly to Joseph. This method underscores the direct, personal, and authoritative nature of God's guidance, bypassing human intermediaries and ensuring the message is received clearly and acted upon immediately. It signifies God's direct involvement in the unfolding events.
* **destroy (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** This word (G622) means to destroy fully, to perish, or to lose. In Herod's intent, it signifies a complete and utter annihilation of the young child, revealing the depth of his malice and the existential threat Jesus faced. It highlights the spiritual battle at play, where forces of evil seek to nullify God's redemptive plan from its very inception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the immediate aftermath of the Magi's departure, setting the scene for God's intervention. The sudden appearance of "the angel of the Lord" (a significant theological designation often pointing to a divine manifestation) to Joseph "in a dream" highlights the supernatural and authoritative nature of the communication. This is God's direct, urgent message to His chosen guardian.
* **"Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt,"**: This is the core command, direct and imperative. Joseph is instructed to act immediately ("Arise," from G1453 _egeírō_, meaning to rouse from sleep or inactivity) and to prioritize the safety of Jesus ("the young child," G3813 _paidíon_) and Mary ("his mother," G3384 _mḗtēr_). The destination, "Egypt" (G125 _Aígyptos_), is significant as a place of refuge, historically known for its Jewish communities and outside Herod's immediate jurisdiction, offering a safe haven from the impending danger. The preposition "into" (G1519 _eis_) emphasizes the movement towards and entry into this specific location.
* **"and be thou there until I bring thee word:"**: This part of the instruction emphasizes the temporary nature of their exile and the ongoing divine guidance Joseph is to expect. He is not given a return date but is told to remain in Egypt ("be thou there," G2468 _ísthi_ G1563 _ekeî_) "until" (G2193 _héōs_) God, through the angel, gives further instruction ("I bring thee word," G2036 _épō_). This requires ongoing faith and dependence on God's timing and direction.
* **"for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."**: This final clause provides the crucial reason ("for," G1063 _gár_) for the urgent flight. It reveals Herod's malevolent intent – he "will seek" (G2212 _zētéō_, indicating active pursuit) the young child "to destroy" (G622 _apóllymi_) him. This confirms the grave danger and validates the divine warning, underscoring the spiritual warfare surrounding the Messiah's life from His earliest days. Herod's desire to eliminate a perceived rival highlights the world's opposition to God's chosen King.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 2:13 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Divine Intervention** is a prominent theme, as God directly intervenes through an angel to protect Jesus, showcasing His sovereign control over human events. The use of a **Dream** as a medium for divine communication is a recurring motif in Matthew's infancy narrative, emphasizing the personal and direct nature of God's guidance to Joseph. This also serves as a **Foreshadowing** device, hinting at the constant opposition and persecution Jesus would face throughout His life, from His infancy to His crucifixion. The contrast between the vulnerable "young child" and the powerful, murderous "Herod" creates a stark **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the fragility of the divine child juxtaposed with the worldly power seeking to destroy Him, yet ultimately demonstrating God's superior power and protection. Furthermore, the command to "flee into Egypt" subtly invokes **Typology**, drawing a parallel between Jesus' experience and Israel's historical sojourn in Egypt and subsequent exodus, implicitly identifying Jesus as the true Son of God who will lead a new exodus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 2:13 powerfully illustrates the theme of divine providence and protection over God's chosen ones, particularly the Messiah. It underscores that God's plan for salvation is sovereign and cannot be thwarted by human malice or political power. Even in the face of grave danger from a tyrannical ruler like Herod, God ensures the safety of His Son, demonstrating His active involvement in human history. This event also highlights the inherent conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, which often manifest in hostility towards God's anointed. The immediate and unquestioning obedience of Joseph serves as a model of faith, demonstrating that trust in God's guidance often requires costly and immediate action, even when the path is uncertain. This narrative sets a precedent for the opposition Jesus would face throughout His ministry, confirming the spiritual battle surrounding His identity and mission from the very beginning.

* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7-8 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will watch over your life.")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel against the Lord.")
* [Isaiah 43:1-2](/isaiah/43-1-2 "Isaiah 43:1-2 - God's promise of presence and protection through trials.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Matthew 2:13 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a complex and often hostile world. Joseph's immediate and courageous obedience, despite the daunting prospect of fleeing to a foreign land with a newborn and his wife, serves as a powerful testament to radical trust in God's directives. In our own lives, we are often called to step out in faith, even when God's path seems inconvenient, illogical, or fraught with uncertainty. This passage reminds us that God's protection is real and active, even when we face formidable opposition or seemingly insurmountable threats. Just as God safeguarded Jesus from Herod's evil, He promises to watch over His children, guiding them through dangers seen and unseen. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of discernment, recognizing that evil forces still seek to undermine God's purposes, and to rely on divine wisdom for guidance. Ultimately, Matthew 2:13 calls us to a life of responsive faith, where our actions are aligned with God's revealed will, trusting that His sovereign hand is always at work for our good and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to exercise immediate and courageous obedience to God, even when the path is uncertain?**
* **How does the story of God's protection over Jesus in His infancy strengthen your faith in His providence over your own life, especially in times of perceived danger or opposition?**
* **What "Herods" or opposing forces in the world today might be seeking to thwart God's plans, and how can believers respond with discernment and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph have to flee to Egypt specifically?**

Answer: Joseph was instructed to flee to Egypt because it was a well-known refuge for Jews outside of Herod's jurisdiction. Egypt, then a Roman province, had a significant Jewish diaspora community, which would have offered a degree of anonymity and support for the Holy Family. Historically, Egypt had also served as a place of refuge for God's people, notably during times of famine (as seen with [Abraham](/genesis/12-10 "Genesis 12:10 - Abraham's sojourn in Egypt") and [Jacob's family](/genesis/46-1-7 "Genesis 46:1-7 - Jacob and his family go to Egypt")). This choice of destination highlights God's sovereign provision and the historical continuity of His protective care for His people.

**How long did the Holy Family stay in Egypt?**

Answer: The Bible does not specify the exact duration of their stay in Egypt. [Matthew 2:15](/matthew/2-15 "Matthew 2:15 - Fulfillment of Prophecy") states that they remained there "until the death of Herod." King Herod the Great died in 4 BC. Since Jesus was likely born between 6-4 BC, their stay in Egypt would have been relatively short, possibly a few months to a couple of years, depending on the precise timing of Herod's death relative to their arrival. [Matthew 2:19](/matthew/2-19 "Matthew 2:19 - The Angel Instructs Joseph to Return") then records the angel's instruction for Joseph to return to Israel after Herod's death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 2:13, while narrating a moment of earthly peril and divine rescue, profoundly points to the person and work of Jesus Christ. His flight to Egypt, a place of refuge for Israel in times past, foreshadows His ultimate role as the one who provides refuge and salvation for all who flee to Him. The immediate threat from Herod, who sought to destroy the "young child," is a chilling premonition of the spiritual warfare that would characterize Jesus' entire ministry, culminating in the attempts to silence Him on the cross. Yet, just as God protected the infant Jesus, He ultimately preserved His Son through death and raised Him to life, demonstrating His complete victory over sin and death. Jesus, the true Son, is called "out of Egypt" ([Matthew 2:15](/matthew/2-15 "Matthew 2:15 - Fulfillment of Hosea 11:1")), fulfilling prophecy and establishing Himself as the new Israel, the one through whom God's redemptive plan for humanity would be fully realized. His journey, marked by vulnerability and divine protection, culminates in His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, offering eternal safety and new life to all who believe in Him, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He is the ultimate refuge, the one who delivers His people from the tyranny of sin and death, just as He was delivered from Herod's murderous intent, securing a [new and living way](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God through Christ's sacrifice") for all humanity.

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

Exodus 1:22

And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

Acts 5:19

But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

Acts 10:7

And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

Matthew 2:12

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

Acts 12:11

And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and [from] all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

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.

Matthew 2:16

¶ 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.