Matthew 2:14

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

Matthew 2:14 describes a pivotal moment in the early life of Jesus, where divine instruction leads to the Holy Family's urgent departure to Egypt.

Context

This verse immediately follows an angelic warning given to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to flee because Herod the Great intended to seek the young child's life. King Herod, known for his paranoia and cruelty, viewed the birth of a "King of the Jews" (Matthew 2:2) as a direct threat to his throne. Joseph's immediate action, taking Jesus and Mary "by night", underscores the extreme urgency and danger of the situation. Egypt was a natural refuge, being outside Herod's jurisdiction and having a significant Jewish population, making it a safe haven for the family.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence and Protection: The narrative powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in protecting His Son from early threats. Even the most vulnerable—an infant Messiah—is under the watchful care of the Almighty. This highlights God's unwavering commitment to His plan of salvation.
  • Obedience to God's Will: Joseph consistently demonstrates profound obedience throughout Matthew's infancy narrative. His willingness to act immediately upon divine instruction, even when it meant uprooting his family and journeying to a foreign land, serves as a model of faith.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Matthew frequently emphasizes how events in Jesus' life fulfill Old Testament prophecies. The flight to Egypt is no exception, as Matthew explicitly connects it to Hosea 11:1: "Out of Egypt have I called my son." This demonstrates God's sovereign plan unfolding precisely as foretold, confirming Jesus' identity as the Messiah.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase ἀναστὰς (anastas), translated "When he arose," signifies not just getting up, but an immediate and decisive action. Paired with "by night" (νυκτὸς - nyktos), it paints a picture of hurried departure under the cover of darkness, emphasizing the perilous circumstances and Joseph's swift obedience to the divine warning.

Practical Application

Matthew 2:14 reminds believers that God's protection is real, even in the face of grave danger. It encourages trust in God's guidance, even when the path is uncertain or requires significant sacrifice. Joseph's example of immediate and faithful obedience to divine instruction offers a powerful lesson for navigating life's challenges. Furthermore, it reinforces the truth that God is always working behind the scenes, orchestrating events to fulfill His ultimate purposes, even when we don't fully understand them.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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:
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