Matthew 2:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G1161} he arose {G1453}, he took {G3880} the young child {G3813} and {G2532} his {G846} mother {G3384} by night {G3571}, and {G2532} departed {G402} into {G1519} Egypt {G125}:

Complete Jewish Bible

So he got up, took the child and his mother, and left during the night for Egypt,

Berean Standard Bible

So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt,

American Standard Version

And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 2:14 records the immediate and decisive action of Joseph, who, in response to a divine warning, took the young child Jesus and his mother Mary by night and departed into Egypt. This urgent flight was a necessary measure to protect the infant Messiah from the murderous intent of King Herod, simultaneously fulfilling ancient prophecy and demonstrating God's sovereign protection over His Son.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation of the narrative in [Matthew 2:13](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - Angelic Warning to Joseph"), where an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, commanding him to flee to Egypt with Jesus and Mary because Herod intended to kill the child. It follows the visit of the Magi ([Matthew 2:1-12](/matthew/2-1-12 "Matthew 2:1-12 - The Visit of the Magi")) which provoked Herod's jealousy and fear, setting in motion his violent plan. Joseph's swift obedience in [Matthew 2:14](/matthew/2-14 "Matthew 2:14 - The Flight to Egypt") is crucial, ensuring the safety of the Holy Family and paving the way for their eventual return to Nazareth after Herod's death, as detailed in [Matthew 2:19-23](/matthew/2-19-23 "Matthew 2:19-23 - Return from Egypt"). This event is integral to Matthew's infancy narrative, which consistently highlights Jesus' identity as the Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Herod the Great was a notoriously paranoid and ruthless ruler, known for eliminating perceived threats to his throne, even within his own family. His reaction to the news of a "King of the Jews" being born ([Matthew 2:2](/matthew/2-2 "Matthew 2:2 - The Magi's Inquiry")) was entirely consistent with his character. Egypt, being outside Herod's jurisdiction and relatively close to Judea, served as a natural and safe haven for those fleeing persecution. Historically, Egypt had a significant Jewish diaspora population, which would have provided some level of community and support for the Holy Family. The detail "by night" underscores the extreme urgency and danger of their situation, as travel under the cover of darkness would have offered greater secrecy and protection from Herod's agents.
* **Key Themes:** The flight to Egypt powerfully illustrates several key themes central to Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it showcases **Divine Providence and Protection**, demonstrating God's active and unwavering commitment to safeguarding His Son and ensuring the unfolding of His redemptive plan, even in the face of grave human evil. Secondly, **Obedience to God's Will** is a prominent theme, with Joseph serving as an exemplary figure. His consistent and immediate obedience to divine instructions, from taking Mary as his wife ([Matthew 1:24](/matthew/1-24 "Matthew 1:24 - Joseph's Obedience to the Angel")) to fleeing to Egypt, highlights the importance of trusting and acting upon God's guidance. Finally, and perhaps most significantly for Matthew, this event underscores the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**. Matthew explicitly connects the flight to Egypt and the subsequent return to [Hosea 11:1](/hosea/11-1 "Hosea 11:1 - Out of Egypt I Called My Son"), "Out of Egypt have I called my son," thereby affirming Jesus' identity as the true Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah, whose life perfectly aligns with God's foretold plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **arose (Greek, _egeírō'_):** G1453. This word signifies more than merely getting up from a sleeping position; it conveys a sense of rousing oneself to decisive action. In this context, it emphasizes Joseph's immediate and resolute response to the angelic warning, indicating a swift and purposeful movement rather than a leisurely awakening.
* **took (Greek, _paralambánō'_):** G3880. This verb implies receiving someone into close association, care, or protection. Joseph "took" the young child and his mother not just to accompany them, but to assume responsibility for their safety and well-being, highlighting his role as their guardian and protector under divine instruction.
* **departed (Greek, _anachōréō'_):** G402. This word means to retire, withdraw, or go away, often implying a strategic retreat or flight for safety. It perfectly captures the urgent and necessary nature of their journey, emphasizing that their movement was a withdrawal from danger rather than a simple change of location.
* **night (Greek, _nýx'_):** G3571. The mention of "night" underscores the perilous and clandestine nature of their departure. It suggests urgency, secrecy, and the need to avoid detection, further highlighting the immediate threat posed by Herod and the seriousness of the divine command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When he arose":** This phrase emphasizes Joseph's prompt and unhesitating obedience to the angelic command. There was no delay or questioning; upon receiving the divine instruction, Joseph immediately prepared to act, demonstrating profound faith and trust in God's leading.
* **"he took the young child and his mother by night":** This clause reveals the precious cargo Joseph was charged with protecting—the infant Jesus and his mother, Mary. The phrase "by night" conveys the extreme urgency and danger of the situation, indicating that the departure was clandestine and hurried, necessary to evade Herod's murderous intentions and ensure their safety under the cover of darkness.
* **"and departed into Egypt":** This specifies their destination, a foreign land outside Herod's jurisdiction. Egypt, ironically a place of bondage for Israel in the Old Testament, now becomes a place of refuge for the Messiah, illustrating God's sovereign hand in guiding His people even through unexpected paths to fulfill His ultimate purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew's concise narration in [Matthew 2:14](/matthew/2-14 "Matthew 2:14 - The Flight to Egypt") employs several effective literary devices. The immediate action depicted, "When he arose, he took... by night, and departed," exemplifies **Narrative Economy**, conveying urgency and decisive obedience without superfluous detail. The flight itself serves as **Symbolism**, with Egypt, the land of Israel's past bondage, ironically becoming a place of freedom and safety for the Messiah. This event also functions as **Foreshadowing**, as the early threat to Jesus' life anticipates the constant opposition He would face throughout His ministry, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. Furthermore, the entire episode, particularly in light of Herod's subsequent actions, highlights **Dramatic Irony**: Herod's desperate attempts to thwart God's plan ultimately contribute to its fulfillment, as Jesus' life continues to unfold according to divine prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The flight to Egypt in [Matthew 2:14](/matthew/2-14 "Matthew 2:14 - The Flight to Egypt") stands as a powerful testament to God's meticulous providence and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan. It underscores that even the most vulnerable stages of the Messiah's life were under divine protection, demonstrating that God actively intervenes to safeguard His purposes and His people from the schemes of evil. Joseph's immediate and unquestioning obedience serves as a profound model of faith, illustrating that true trust in God often requires stepping into the unknown, leaving behind comfort and familiarity in response to divine leading. This event also reinforces Matthew's overarching theme of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, positioning Him as the true Israel, called "out of Egypt" just as the nation was, but ultimately to bring a greater deliverance.

* [Psalm 91:1-4](/psalms/91-1-4 "Psalm 91:1-4 - God's Protection"): "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty... He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge."
* [Isaiah 43:1-3](/isaiah/43-1-3 "Isaiah 43:1-3 - God's Presence in Trouble"): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned... For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord"): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 2:14 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's protective hand is sovereign over all circumstances, even those fraught with danger and uncertainty. Joseph's swift and unquestioning obedience, despite the immense disruption and potential hardship of fleeing to a foreign land, challenges us to examine our own responses to God's guidance. Are we willing to step out in faith when His path seems illogical, inconvenient, or even perilous? This passage encourages us to trust that God is always working behind the scenes, orchestrating events to fulfill His ultimate purposes, even when we cannot see the full picture. It invites us to find our refuge in Him, knowing that He is faithful to guard and guide those who commit their way to Him, providing safety and direction even in the darkest of nights.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's immediate obedience challenge my own response to God's leading, especially when it involves sacrifice or uncertainty?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust God's protective hand, even when circumstances seem perilous or unclear?**
* **How can I better recognize and respond to God's "warnings" or guidance in my own life, even if they require a significant "departure" from my comfort zone?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph and Mary flee to Egypt specifically?**

Answer: Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt primarily because it was a safe haven outside the jurisdiction of King Herod the Great. Herod, fearing a rival to his throne, sought to kill the newborn "King of the Jews" ([Matthew 2:13](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - Angelic Warning to Joseph")). Egypt was a natural choice due to its geographical proximity to Judea, making it accessible for a quick escape. Furthermore, there was a significant Jewish diaspora population in Egypt, particularly in Alexandria, which would have provided a degree of cultural familiarity and potential support for the Holy Family. The flight also served to fulfill Old Testament prophecy, as Matthew explicitly states in [Matthew 2:15](/matthew/2-15 "Matthew 2:15 - Fulfillment of Prophecy") that it fulfilled what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called My Son" ([Hosea 11:1](/hosea/11-1 "Hosea 11:1 - Out of Egypt I Called My Son")).

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

Answer: The Bible does not specify the exact duration of their stay in Egypt. However, [Matthew 2:19](/matthew/2-19 "Matthew 2:19 - Angelic Instruction to Return") indicates that they remained there until the death of Herod. Historical records suggest Herod the Great died in 4 BC. Given that 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.

**What is the significance of the flight to Egypt in relation to the Old Testament?**

Answer: The flight to Egypt holds profound significance in relation to the Old Testament, primarily because it fulfills the prophecy found in [Hosea 11:1](/hosea/11-1 "Hosea 11:1 - Out of Egypt I Called My Son"): "Out of Egypt I called My Son." Matthew highlights this fulfillment in [Matthew 2:15](/matthew/2-15 "Matthew 2:15 - Fulfillment of Prophecy"). This connection positions Jesus as the true and ultimate Israel, recapitulating the nation's history. Just as Israel was called out of Egypt in the Exodus, so too is God's Son called out of Egypt, but with a new and greater purpose—to bring salvation to humanity. This event underscores Jesus' identity as the Messiah who embodies and completes the story of God's people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The flight of the Holy Family to Egypt, as recounted in [Matthew 2:14](/matthew/2-14 "Matthew 2:14 - The Flight to Egypt"), is deeply significant in its Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus, the Son of God, experiences an early life marked by vulnerability and exile, mirroring the plight of humanity and foreshadowing His ultimate journey of suffering for our sake. His forced departure to Egypt, a land of historical bondage for Israel, symbolically positions Him as the true Israel, recapitulating the nation's experience but ultimately leading to a greater deliverance. This early escape from Herod's murderous intent foreshadows Jesus' ultimate victory over all the powers of darkness and death. He who was protected as a child would later willingly lay down His life, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), enduring the ultimate "exile" from God's presence on the cross so that humanity might be reconciled. His journey to Egypt, a place of temporary refuge, points to His greater work of providing eternal refuge and salvation for all who trust in Him, demonstrating that even in His infancy, Christ was already on the path to becoming our Deliverer and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus' Victory Over Death"); [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")).

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

Acts 26:21

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill [me].

Matthew 2:20

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.

Matthew 2:21

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

Matthew 1:24

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: