Matthew 2:15

KJV

And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} was {G2258} there {G1563} until {G2193} the death {G5054} of Herod {G2264}: that {G2443} it might be fulfilled {G4137} which {G3588} was spoken {G4483} of {G5259} the Lord {G2962} by {G1223} the prophet {G4396}, saying {G3004}, Out of {G1537} Egypt {G125} have I called {G2564} my {G3450} son {G5207}.

Complete Jewish Bible

where he stayed until Herod died. This happened in order to fulfill what ADONAI had said through the prophet, "Out of Egypt I called my son."

Berean Standard Bible

where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

American Standard Version

and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 2:15 recounts the Holy Family's return from Egypt to Israel following the death of King Herod, a journey divinely orchestrated to protect the infant Jesus. This pivotal moment is presented by Matthew as a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically from Hosea 11:1, underscoring God's sovereign hand in guiding the Messiah's early life and revealing Jesus' profound identity as God's true Son and the embodiment of Israel's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 2:15 concludes the narrative of the Holy Family's flight to Egypt, which began in [Matthew 2:13](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - Angelic Warning and Flight to Egypt") after an angelic warning to Joseph about Herod's murderous intentions. This verse marks the end of their exile and sets the stage for their return to the land of Israel, specifically to Nazareth, as detailed in [Matthew 2:19-23](/matthew/2-19-23 "Matthew 2:19-23 - Return to Nazareth"). Within Matthew's infancy narrative ([Matthew 1-2](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy and Birth of Jesus")-[Matthew 2](/matthew/2 "Matthew 2 - The Wise Men and Flight to Egypt")), this event serves as another powerful demonstration of God's providential care for Jesus and Matthew's recurring theme of prophetic fulfillment, linking Jesus' life directly to Israel's sacred history and divine promises.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Herod" mentioned is Herod the Great, the Roman-appointed King of Judea, infamous for his paranoia, cruelty, and political machinations. His reign (37-4 BC) was marked by ruthless suppression of perceived threats, including the execution of family members and the chilling "Slaughter of the Innocents" in Bethlehem (recounted in [Matthew 2:16-18](/matthew/2-16-18 "Matthew 2:16-18 - The Slaughter of the Innocents")). His death, which occurred around 4 BC, was a significant historical event that brought an end to his tyrannical rule and allowed for a safer environment for the Holy Family's return. Egypt, being a neighboring country with a significant Jewish diaspora, was a common and logical refuge for those fleeing persecution in Judea, offering both proximity and a degree of safety from Herod's direct authority.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Matthew's Gospel. Foremost is the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as Matthew explicitly states that Jesus' return from Egypt fulfills the words of [Hosea 11:1](/hosea/11-1 "Hosea 11:1 - God's Love for Israel"). This highlights Matthew's consistent portrayal of Jesus as the Messiah who perfectly embodies and completes the Old Testament prophecies. Another prominent theme is **Divine Protection and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to safeguarding His Son from all earthly dangers, even the most powerful rulers. The flight to Egypt and subsequent return underscore that God's plan cannot be thwarted. Finally, the verse introduces a profound **Typological Significance**, presenting Jesus as the true Israel. Just as Israel was called "out of Egypt" during the Exodus, Jesus, the ultimate Son of God, recapitulates this foundational event, signifying a new and greater exodus from sin and death that He will accomplish. This connection reinforces Jesus' identity as the ideal Israelite and the one who perfectly fulfills God's covenant with His people, a theme echoed in passages like [Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - Jesus' Baptism and God's Affirmation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fulfilled (Greek, _plēróō'_):** (G4137) This verb signifies to "make replete," "complete," "execute," or "verify." In the context of prophecy, it means that the divine prediction has come to pass, not merely coincidentally, but as a deliberate and precise act of God. Matthew frequently uses this term to emphasize that Jesus' life events are not random but are the culmination of God's long-foretold plan, providing undeniable proof of His Messiahship.
* **Egypt (Greek, _Aígyptos'_):** (G125) This proper noun refers to the land of the Nile, a historical place of both bondage and refuge for God's people. For Israel, Egypt was the place of their slavery before the Exodus, but also a place of temporary safety for figures like Abraham and Jacob. In this verse, it serves as a temporary sanctuary for the infant Jesus, ironically echoing Israel's past while simultaneously setting the stage for a new, spiritual Exodus.
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** (G2564) This verb means "to call" (often aloud), implying a divine summons or designation. In Hosea 11:1, it refers to God's calling of Israel out of slavery. When Matthew applies it to Jesus, it highlights Jesus' divine election and summons by God the Father, not just out of a geographical location, but into His unique role as the Son and Savior, demonstrating His obedience to the Father's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And was there until the death of Herod":** This clause establishes the duration and the divinely appointed timing of the Holy Family's stay in Egypt. Their exile was not indefinite but precisely limited by God's providence, waiting for the removal of the immediate threat posed by Herod the Great. This demonstrates God's active control over historical events to protect His Son.
* **"that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying":** This is Matthew's characteristic "fulfillment formula," signaling to his readers that the preceding event is a direct and intentional realization of Old Testament prophecy. It underscores Matthew's theological agenda: to present Jesus as the promised Messiah whose life perfectly aligns with the Scriptures, thereby validating His claims and mission. The phrase "spoken of the Lord by the prophet" emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the prophecy.
* **"Out of Egypt have I called my son.":** This is a direct quotation from [Hosea 11:1](/hosea/11-1 "Hosea 11:1 - God's Love for Israel"). Originally, "my son" referred to the nation of Israel, whom God called out of slavery in Egypt during the Exodus. Matthew's application of this prophecy to Jesus is a profound typological interpretation. He sees Jesus as the ultimate "Son" of God, the embodiment of Israel, who recapitulates the nation's history. Jesus' journey out of Egypt is thus understood as a new, more significant "Exodus," foreshadowing His role in delivering humanity from the bondage of sin.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 2:15 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Typology**, where Jesus' experience of being called "out of Egypt" is presented as a fulfillment of Israel's historical Exodus. Jesus is depicted as the true and ideal Israel, recapitulating the nation's foundational experience in a new and perfect way. This is not merely a historical parallel but a theological connection, asserting Jesus' identity as the ultimate "Son" of God who brings about a new covenant. Furthermore, Matthew utilizes a **Fulfillment Formula** ("that it might be fulfilled which was spoken...") throughout his Gospel, serving as a rhetorical device to underscore the divine intentionality behind Jesus' life events and to validate His messianic claims to a Jewish audience familiar with the Old Testament. There is also an element of **Divine Irony** at play: Herod's desperate attempt to destroy the Messiah inadvertently leads to an event (the flight to Egypt) that fulfills prophecy, demonstrating that human malice cannot thwart God's sovereign plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 2:15 is rich with theological significance, primarily emphasizing God's meticulous sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan. The fulfillment of Hosea 11:1 through Jesus' return from Egypt profoundly illustrates that God's ancient promises are not mere historical anecdotes but living prophecies that find their ultimate and perfect realization in Christ. This event solidifies Jesus' identity as God's true Son, not just in a metaphorical sense, but as the one who embodies and perfects the very history of Israel. It portrays Jesus as the new Moses, leading a new exodus, not from physical slavery, but from spiritual bondage, thereby establishing a new covenant relationship between God and humanity. The narrative reassures believers that God is actively involved in the details of their lives, orchestrating events for His divine purposes, even through periods of danger and uncertainty.

* [Hosea 11:1](/hosea/11-1 "Hosea 11:1 - The Original Prophecy of Israel's Call from Egypt")
* [Exodus 4:22-23](/exodus/4-22-23 "Exodus 4:22-23 - Israel as God's Firstborn Son")
* [Matthew 1:22-23](/matthew/1-22-23 "Matthew 1:22-23 - Prophecy of Immanuel's Birth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 2:15 offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for faith in God's sovereign care. In a world often marked by chaos, fear, and uncertainty, this verse reminds us that God is actively at work, even behind the scenes of human evil and political turmoil. Just as He protected the infant Jesus from the wrath of Herod, He continues to watch over His people, guiding their steps and orchestrating circumstances for their ultimate good and His glory. This passage encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's providential hand, knowing that His plans are infallible and His promises are always true. It challenges us to look beyond immediate difficulties and discern God's larger narrative unfolding in our lives, finding peace in the knowledge that He is faithfully bringing His purposes to fruition, even when our path seems unclear or fraught with danger. Our response should be one of patient endurance and confident reliance on His divine guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the fulfillment of this ancient prophecy in Jesus' life strengthen your faith in the trustworthiness of God's Word and His overarching plan?**
* **In what ways can you identify with the Holy Family's experience of displacement and reliance on God's protection during challenging times in your own life?**
* **What does Jesus being the "true Israel" or "new Exodus" mean for your understanding of salvation and your identity in Christ?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's sovereignty over even the most powerful human rulers (like Herod) impact your perspective on current events or personal struggles?**

### FAQ

**Why did Matthew quote Hosea 11:1, which originally referred to Israel, and apply it to Jesus?**

Answer: Matthew's application of Hosea 11:1 to Jesus is a prime example of his typological hermeneutic. In Hosea, "my son" refers to the nation of Israel, whom God called out of slavery in Egypt during the Exodus ([Exodus 4:22-23](/exodus/4-22-23 "Exodus 4:22-23 - Israel as God's Firstborn Son")). Matthew understands Jesus as the ultimate, ideal Israelite – the true "Son" of God who perfectly embodies and recapitulates the nation's history. Jesus' journey into and out of Egypt is seen as a new Exodus, a fulfillment and perfection of Israel's past experience. This demonstrates that Jesus is not just a prophet, but the very embodiment of God's covenant people, the one through whom God's redemptive purposes for Israel and the world are ultimately realized. Matthew uses this to show that Jesus' life is deeply rooted in and the culmination of Israel's sacred history.

**What is the significance of Jesus' time in Egypt?**

Answer: Jesus' time in Egypt holds multiple layers of significance. First, it highlights God's divine protection over the infant Messiah from Herod's murderous intent, underscoring that no earthly power can thwart God's redemptive plan. Second, it serves as a direct fulfillment of prophecy, as Matthew explicitly states, linking Jesus' life to the ancient history of Israel's Exodus from Egypt ([Hosea 11:1](/hosea/11-1 "Hosea 11:1 - God's Love for Israel")). This typological connection presents Jesus as the "new Israel," the true Son of God who perfectly fulfills the nation's calling. Third, it symbolically connects Jesus to the suffering and exile of God's people throughout history, demonstrating His solidarity with humanity's plight. His return from Egypt also foreshadows His greater work of leading humanity out of the bondage of sin and death, establishing a new and greater exodus for all who believe in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 2:15, with its declaration that "Out of Egypt have I called my son," profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus' journey mirrors Israel's foundational experience, but with a crucial difference: He is the perfect Son, the true Israel, who succeeds where the nation failed. This typological connection reveals that Jesus is the one who perfectly embodies God's covenant relationship and fulfills the destiny intended for His people. His "Exodus" from Egypt foreshadows the greater exodus He would accomplish through His life, death, and resurrection, liberating humanity not from physical slavery, but from the spiritual bondage of sin and death ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - True Freedom")). As the true Son, Jesus perfectly obeys the Father, unlike Israel who often rebelled. He is the one through whom God's presence truly dwells among His people ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and through His perfect obedience, He secures adoption for all who believe, making them sons and daughters of God ([Galatians 4:4-7](/galatians/4-4-7 "Galatians 4:4-7 - Adoption as Sons and Heirs")). Thus, Matthew 2:15 is not merely a historical anecdote but a theological signpost, directing our gaze to Jesus as the faithful Son who ushers in God's new creation and perfect redemption.

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

Hosea 11:1

¶ When Israel [was] a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.

Exodus 4:22

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel [is] my son, [even] my firstborn:

Numbers 24:8

God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce [them] through with his arrows.

Luke 24:44

And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me.

Matthew 1:22

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

Matthew 12:16

And charged them that they should not make him known:

Matthew 12:18

Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.