Matthew 2:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when Herod {G2264} was dead {G5053}, behold {G2400}, an angel {G32} of the Lord {G2962} appeareth {G5316} in {G2596} a dream {G3677} to Joseph {G2501} in {G1722} Egypt {G125},

Complete Jewish Bible

After Herod's death, an angel of ADONAI appeared in a dream to Yosef in Egypt

Berean Standard Bible

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 2:19 marks a pivotal moment in the early life of Jesus, signaling the end of the Holy Family's protective sojourn in Egypt and the removal of the immediate threat posed by King Herod. This verse highlights God's unwavering providence and precise timing, as an angel of the Lord once again appears to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to return to the land of Israel because those who sought the young child's life were dead. It underscores the divine orchestration of events to safeguard the Messiah and advance God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial narrative hinge, concluding the dramatic flight to Egypt and setting the stage for the Holy Family's return to Israel. Immediately preceding it, [Matthew 2:13-18](/matthew/2-13-18 "Matthew 2:13-18 - Flight to Egypt and Slaughter of the Innocents") recounts the angel's initial warning to Joseph to flee to Egypt to escape Herod's murderous intent, followed by the tragic fulfillment of prophecy in the "slaughter of the innocents" in Bethlehem. The death of Herod, mentioned in [Matthew 2:19](/matthew/2-19 "Matthew 2:19 - Return from Egypt"), resolves the primary danger that necessitated their exile, allowing the narrative to progress towards Jesus' upbringing in Nazareth, as detailed in [Matthew 2:20-23](/matthew/2-20-23 "Matthew 2:20-23 - Return to Nazareth"). This sequence demonstrates Matthew's characteristic emphasis on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and God's sovereign control over historical events.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Herod the Great, who died in 4 BC, was a ruthless and paranoid ruler appointed by Rome. His reign was marked by political intrigue, lavish building projects, and extreme cruelty, including the execution of family members he suspected of disloyalty. His decree to kill all male children in Bethlehem under two years old, as recorded in [Matthew 2:16](/matthew/2-16 "Matthew 2:16 - Herod's Slaughter of the Innocents"), was entirely consistent with his historical character. Egypt, a traditional place of refuge for Jews in times of persecution (as seen with Jeremiah and others), provided a safe haven due to its proximity and the presence of a large Jewish diaspora community. Dreams were widely accepted in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Jewish tradition, as a legitimate means of divine communication, a motif Matthew frequently employs, especially in connection with Joseph's guidance.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 2:19](/matthew/2-19 "Matthew 2:19 - Return from Egypt") powerfully reinforces several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Protection and Guidance**, demonstrating God's active and vigilant oversight of His Son's life, intervening directly through angelic messengers to ensure His safety. Secondly, it underscores **God's Perfect Timing and Sovereignty** over human affairs; Herod's death, a significant historical event, is presented as occurring precisely when it was providentially necessary for the Holy Family's return, showcasing God's control even over the actions of wicked rulers. Thirdly, the verse continues to emphasize **Joseph's Exemplary Obedience** to divine instruction. His consistent and immediate response to angelic dreams, whether to take Mary as his wife ([Matthew 1:20](/matthew/1-20 "Matthew 1:20 - Joseph's First Dream")), flee to Egypt ([Matthew 2:13](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - Flight to Egypt")), or return from Egypt, portrays him as a faithful guardian who trusts and acts upon God's word without hesitation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dead (Greek, _teleutáō'_):** This verb signifies the finishing of life, to expire or cease to exist. Its use here is stark and definitive, emphasizing the complete removal of the threat posed by Herod. The timing of his death is not coincidental but divinely orchestrated, marking the precise moment when the danger to the young Messiah is eliminated, allowing for the next phase of God's plan.
* **behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** A strong interjection, functioning as an imperative meaning "look!" or "see!" It serves to draw the reader's immediate attention to the significant event that follows. In this context, it highlights the sudden and crucial appearance of the angel, signaling a new and important divine directive that will alter the Holy Family's circumstances.
* **angel (Greek, _ángelos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to bring tidings," an angel is primarily a messenger. In biblical theology, angels are spiritual beings who serve God and often act as His emissaries to humanity. The phrase "angel of the Lord" often denotes a divine messenger with a specific, authoritative message directly from God, underscoring the divine origin and imperative nature of the instruction given to Joseph.
* **dream (Greek, _ónar'_):** This noun refers to a nocturnal vision, a common vehicle for divine communication in both the Old and New Testaments, particularly prominent in Matthew's narrative concerning Joseph. God's choice to communicate through dreams emphasizes His direct and personal involvement in guiding Joseph and protecting Jesus, often when human reason or conventional means would be insufficient.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when Herod was dead,"**: This opening clause establishes the critical precondition for the Holy Family's return. The death of Herod the Great, a historical event (4 BC), is presented as a divinely timed act that removes the immediate and grave danger to the infant Jesus, demonstrating God's sovereign control over human rulers and historical circumstances to accomplish His purposes. The "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a significant shift or turning point in the narrative.
* **"behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth"**: The interjection "behold" (G2400, _idoú_) draws immediate attention to the sudden and supernatural intervention. An "angel of the Lord" (G32, _ángelos_ and G2962, _kýrios_) signifies a direct divine messenger, emphasizing that the subsequent instruction comes with the full authority and wisdom of God Himself. This appearance underscores God's active and personal involvement in guiding Joseph and protecting His Son.
* **"in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,"**: This phrase specifies the method and recipient of the divine communication, as well as the location. God repeatedly uses dreams to guide Joseph throughout Matthew's infancy narrative, highlighting Joseph's role as the divinely appointed guardian and his consistent responsiveness to God's supernatural leading. Their presence "in Egypt" (G125, _Aígyptos_) confirms their place of refuge and sets the stage for their divinely directed return.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several literary devices in [Matthew 2:19](/matthew/2-19 "Matthew 2:19 - Return from Egypt") to convey his theological message. The phrase "But when Herod was dead" functions as a **Narrative Transition**, marking a clear shift from the period of danger and exile to one of safety and return. The use of "behold" (Greek: _idoú_) is an **Exclamation** or **Interjection**, serving to draw the reader's attention to the immediate and significant divine intervention. The appearance of "an angel of the Lord" in a dream is a clear instance of **Divine Intervention**, a recurring motif in Matthew's infancy narrative that underscores God's active and personal involvement in safeguarding Jesus and fulfilling His redemptive plan. This repeated angelic communication through dreams also creates a sense of **Repetition** and **Emphasis**, highlighting Joseph's consistent obedience and God's reliable guidance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 2:19 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous providence and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, even in the face of human wickedness. The death of Herod, a seemingly ordinary historical event, is presented as a divinely orchestrated act that removes the primary obstacle to Jesus' safety and continued development. This demonstrates that God is sovereign over all circumstances, including the lives and deaths of rulers, working all things together for the good of those who love Him and for the accomplishment of His eternal purposes. The repeated angelic visitations to Joseph underscore the theme of divine guidance and protection, assuring believers that God actively watches over His people and provides direction, often in unexpected ways, to navigate life's perils.

* [Matthew 1:20](/matthew/1-20 "Matthew 1:20 - Joseph's First Dream")
* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7-8 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord Will Keep You")
* [Ecclesiastes 3:1](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1 - A Time for Everything")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 2:19 offers profound comfort and practical guidance for believers today. It reminds us that even when life's circumstances seem perilous or when we find ourselves in a "spiritual Egypt" of exile or difficulty, God remains actively involved and sovereign. Just as He orchestrated Herod's death at the precise moment necessary for Jesus' safety, so too does He work in our lives, often behind the scenes, to remove obstacles, open doors, and guide us according to His perfect timing. We are called to cultivate Joseph's spirit of attentive obedience, listening for God's voice, whether through Scripture, prayer, or the wise counsel of others, and acting decisively upon His revealed will. This verse encourages us to trust in God's unfailing protection and to rest in the assurance that His purposes for us will ultimately prevail, even through seasons of waiting or uncertainty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the timing of Herod's death in this verse encourage your trust in God's perfect timing in your own life?**
* **In what ways has God provided unexpected guidance or protection for you, similar to Joseph's experience with the angel in a dream?**
* **What "Egypts" (places of refuge, waiting, or difficulty) might God be leading you through today, and how can you cultivate Joseph's obedience in those seasons?**

### FAQ
**Why did God wait for Herod to die before instructing Joseph to return?**

Answer: God's timing is always perfect and purposeful, though often beyond human comprehension. The delay until Herod's death ensured the complete removal of the immediate, specific threat to Jesus' life. Herod was a ruthless and paranoid ruler, and his personal vendetta against the "King of the Jews" was a direct and grave danger. By waiting for his demise, God ensured a safer environment for the Holy Family's return and the next phase of Jesus' upbringing. This demonstrates God's sovereign control over historical events and His meticulous care in safeguarding His Son, ensuring that His redemptive plan unfolded precisely as intended, without premature exposure to danger. It also fulfills the prophetic pattern of God calling His son "out of Egypt," as referenced in [Hosea 11:1](/hosea/11-1 "Hosea 11:1 - Out of Egypt I Called My Son").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 2:19, while seemingly a simple narrative transition, points powerfully to Christ in several profound ways. The divine protection afforded to the infant Jesus, culminating in the removal of the threat posed by Herod, foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over all the forces of evil and death. Just as God safeguarded Jesus from Herod's murderous intent, so too would Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, lay down His life and then conquer death itself, offering eternal protection to His flock ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). The angel's appearance and the dream communication highlight God's direct involvement in the life of His Son, a divine orchestration that culminates in Christ's ministry, where God speaks directly to humanity through His Son ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Furthermore, Jesus' return from Egypt, a place of refuge, fulfills the prophetic word, "Out of Egypt I called My Son" ([Matthew 2:15](/matthew/2-15 "Matthew 2:15 - Fulfillment of Hosea 11:1") referencing [Hosea 11:1](/hosea/11-1 "Hosea 11:1 - Out of Egypt I Called My Son")), establishing Him as the true Israel, the ultimate Son of God who would lead His people to true freedom and salvation. This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical detail but a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His Christ, ensuring His safe passage through infancy to fulfill His redemptive mission as the world's Savior.

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 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.

Daniel 8:25

And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

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:

Isaiah 51:12

I, [even] I, [am] he that comforteth you: who [art] thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man [that] shall die, and of the son of man [which] shall be made [as] grass;

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.

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.

Daniel 11:45

And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.