Matthew 2:22

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when he heard {G191} that {G3754} Archelaus {G745} did reign {G936} in {G1909} Judaea {G2449} in the room {G473} of his {G846} father {G3962} Herod {G2264}, he was afraid {G5399} to go {G565} thither {G1563}: notwithstanding {G1161}, being warned of God {G5537} in {G2596} a dream {G3677}, he turned aside {G402} into {G1519} the parts {G3313} of Galilee {G1056}:

Complete Jewish Bible

However, when he heard that Archelaus had succeeded his father Herod as king of Y'hudah, he was afraid to go there. Warned in a dream, he withdrew to the Galil

Berean Standard Bible

But when he learned that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee,

American Standard Version

But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judæa in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither; and being warned of God in a dream, he withdrew into the parts of Galilee,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 2:22 describes a critical juncture in the Holy Family's return from Egypt, where Joseph, upon learning that Archelaus, a notoriously cruel ruler, had succeeded his father Herod in Judaea, was gripped by fear. In response to this legitimate concern, God intervened once more through a dream, divinely warning Joseph and redirecting him and his family away from the dangerous Judean region and into the safer, northern territory of Galilee, ultimately leading them to settle in Nazareth. This passage powerfully illustrates God's meticulous, ongoing providence and protection over His Son, Jesus, ensuring His safety and the fulfillment of His redemptive purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding act in the narrative of Jesus' infancy, following the dramatic flight to Egypt to escape Herod the Great's murderous decree against Bethlehem's male infants ([Matthew 2:13-18](/matthew/2-13-18 "Matthew 2:13-18 - Flight to Egypt and Herod's Slaughter")). The preceding verse, [Matthew 2:21](/matthew/2-21 "Matthew 2:21 - Return from Egypt"), signals the family's departure from Egypt after Herod's death, fulfilling the prophecy of [Hosea 11:1](/hosea/11-1 "Hosea 11:1 - Out of Egypt I Called My Son"). However, the journey back to their homeland is interrupted by new political realities. Verse 22 introduces a fresh obstacle and another divine intervention, setting the stage for the family's eventual settlement in Nazareth, which [Matthew 2:23](/matthew/2-23 "Matthew 2:23 - Settlement in Nazareth and Prophecy Fulfilled") explicitly links to prophetic fulfillment. This repeated pattern of threat, divine warning, and miraculous preservation underscores God's sovereign control over the Messiah's early life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The fear Joseph experienced was entirely justified given the historical reality of Archelaus. Upon Herod the Great's death in 4 BC, his kingdom was divided among his three sons: Archelaus received Judaea, Samaria, and Idumaea; Herod Antipas received Galilee and Perea; and Philip received the northeastern territories. Archelaus, like his father, was known for his extreme cruelty and tyrannical rule. His reign began with the slaughter of 3,000 Jews in the Temple during Passover and continued with heavy taxation and ruthless suppression of dissent. His brutality was so pronounced that in AD 6, a delegation of Jews and Samaritans appealed to Emperor Augustus, who subsequently deposed Archelaus and banished him to Gaul, replacing his rule with a Roman procurator. Joseph's decision to avoid Judaea was thus a prudent response to a very real and widely recognized danger, highlighting the volatile political landscape of first-century Palestine under Roman oversight.

* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly reinforces several key themes woven throughout the infancy narratives in Matthew. Firstly, **Divine Guidance and Protection** is paramount, as God repeatedly intervenes through dreams to direct Joseph, safeguarding Jesus from earthly threats. This is the fourth such dream Joseph receives in Matthew's Gospel, following the initial revelation regarding Jesus' miraculous conception ([Matthew 1:20-21](/matthew/1-20-21 "Matthew 1:20-21 - Joseph's First Dream")), the command to flee to Egypt ([Matthew 2:13](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - Flight to Egypt")), and the instruction to return after Herod's death ([Matthew 2:19-20](/matthew/2-19-20 "Matthew 2:19-20 - Return from Egypt")). Secondly, **Obedience in the Face of Fear** is a prominent theme, as Joseph, despite his understandable apprehension about Archelaus, demonstrates unwavering trust and immediate obedience to God's specific, divinely revealed instructions. His actions exemplify a faithful response to God's leading, even when it means altering well-laid plans. Lastly, the verse underscores **God's Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating how God orchestrates events, even political successions and human fears, to ensure His redemptive plan for His Son unfolds precisely as intended, ultimately leading Jesus to Nazareth, a location significant for prophetic fulfillment ([Matthew 2:23](/matthew/2-23 "Matthew 2:23 - Prophecy of Nazareth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Archelaus (Greek, _Archélaos'_):** This name, meaning "people-ruling," belonged to the ethnarch who succeeded his father, Herod the Great, over Judaea, Samaria, and Idumaea. His rule (4 BC - AD 6) was marked by extreme cruelty and oppression, even exceeding his father's tyranny in some respects, leading to his eventual deposition by Rome. Joseph's fear upon hearing of his reign was therefore well-founded and indicative of Archelaus's notorious reputation.
* **afraid (Greek, _phobéō'_):** Derived from _phobos_, meaning "fear" or "terror," this verb signifies Joseph's genuine and rational apprehension. It is not an irrational panic but a prudent assessment of the danger posed by Archelaus. The text does not condemn Joseph's fear but acknowledges it as a legitimate human response, which God then addresses with specific guidance, demonstrating divine compassion and practical care for His servants.
* **warned of God (Greek, _chrēmatízō'_):** This verb literally means "to utter an oracle" or "to divinely intimate." In the New Testament, it consistently describes a direct, authoritative communication from God, often in a dream or vision. Its use here emphasizes the supernatural and undeniable source of the instruction Joseph received, underscoring that the redirection to Galilee was not a human decision based on fear alone, but a divinely ordained command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod":** This clause establishes the immediate political context upon Joseph's return from Egypt. Herod the Great, responsible for the Bethlehem massacre, had died, but his son Archelaus had taken over the rule of Judaea. The phrase "in the room of" (Greek _anti_) signifies a direct succession, highlighting that Archelaus occupied the same position of authority and, as history confirms, inherited his father's violent disposition. Joseph, likely upon reaching the borders of Judaea or hearing news from travelers, became aware of this critical change in leadership.
* **"he was afraid to go thither":** Joseph's fear was a natural and rational response to the known character of Archelaus. Given the recent history of Herod's attempt on Jesus' life, and Archelaus's reputation for brutality, Joseph rightly perceived a continued threat to the young Messiah if they were to settle in Judaea, particularly Bethlehem or Jerusalem. This fear demonstrates Joseph's protective instincts as the earthly guardian of Jesus and his family.
* **"notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee":** Despite his fear, Joseph did not act solely on human prudence. The phrase "notwithstanding" (Greek _dé_) signals a divine counter-action. God intervened once more, providing specific, authoritative guidance "in a dream." This divine warning superseded Joseph's initial inclination or fear, directing him away from Judaea. Consequently, Joseph obediently "turned aside" (Greek _anachōréō_, "to withdraw" or "retire") from his intended path and journeyed northward "into the parts of Galilee," a region under the rule of Herod Antipas, a less tyrannical son of Herod, and thus a safer haven for the Holy Family.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew's narrative in [Matthew 2](/matthew/2 "Matthew 2 - The Birth of Jesus and Flight to Egypt") employs several literary devices to convey its theological message. **Divine Intervention** is a dominant motif, with God repeatedly communicating with Joseph through dreams, guiding and protecting Jesus from the moment of His conception through His early childhood. This highlights God's active, personal involvement in the unfolding of salvation history. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as the redirection to Galilee anticipates Jesus' later ministry, which was predominantly centered in this region. This geographical shift sets the stage for the fulfillment of the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene ([Matthew 2:23](/matthew/2-23 "Matthew 2:23 - Prophecy of Nazareth")), and later, the prophecy of [Isaiah 9:1-2](/isaiah/9-1-2 "Isaiah 9:1-2 - Light in Galilee") regarding the "light" that would dawn in Galilee. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Contrast** between the dangerous, politically volatile Judaea under Archelaus and the relatively safer, more obscure Galilee, emphasizing God's provision of refuge for His Son.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 2:22 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, demonstrating His meticulous care for the infant Jesus. This passage underscores that even amidst human fear, political turmoil, and the schemes of wicked rulers, God's sovereign hand is at work, orchestrating circumstances to ensure the safety and proper development of His Son, who is the promised Messiah. Joseph's obedience to divine instruction, even when it meant altering his plans and facing uncertainty, serves as a powerful testament to the necessity of trusting God's guidance above all else. The redirection to Galilee was not merely a pragmatic escape from danger but a divinely appointed step that positioned Jesus for His future ministry, fulfilling prophecy and setting the stage for the spread of the Gospel from a region often overlooked by the religious elite of Jerusalem. This narrative reassures believers that God is intimately involved in the details of their lives, providing direction and protection for those who walk in obedience to His will.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Psalm 32:8](/psalm/32-8 "Psalm 32:8 - God's Guidance")
* [Isaiah 48:17](/isaiah/48-17 "Isaiah 48:17 - The Lord Your Teacher")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 2:22 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating the uncertainties and fears of life. Joseph's experience reminds us that it is natural and even wise to acknowledge legitimate fears arising from dangerous circumstances. However, our response to fear should not be paralysis or human ingenuity alone, but a humble turning to God for divine guidance. Just as God provided specific, actionable direction to Joseph through a dream, He continues to guide His people today through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of wise believers. This passage challenges us to cultivate a posture of listening and obedience, recognizing that God's plans for us often involve unexpected detours or changes in direction. Our security is not found in the absence of threat, but in the presence and protection of God, who sovereignly directs our steps for His purposes. Embracing this truth empowers us to step out in faith, even when the path ahead is unclear, trusting that God's wisdom will always lead us to the safest and most fruitful destination.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What legitimate fears or anxieties am I currently facing, and how might God be inviting me to trust His guidance in those areas?**
* **In what ways has God provided unexpected direction or redirection in my life, and how did I respond to it?**
* **How does Joseph's immediate obedience, despite his fear, challenge or encourage my own walk of faith?**
* **How can I better cultivate a posture of listening for God's guidance through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel when making significant decisions?**

### FAQ
**Why was Joseph afraid of Archelaus?**

Answer: Joseph's fear of Archelaus was entirely justified and based on Archelaus's well-known reputation for extreme cruelty and tyranny. Upon the death of his father, Herod the Great, Archelaus inherited the rule of Judaea, Samaria, and Idumaea. His reign began with a brutal slaughter of 3,000 Jews in the Temple and was characterized by oppressive taxation and violent suppression of any opposition. Joseph, having just protected Jesus from Herod the Great's murderous decree ([Matthew 2:16](/matthew/2-16 "Matthew 2:16 - Herod's Slaughter of the Innocents")), recognized that returning to Judaea under Archelaus's rule would place Jesus and his family in continued grave danger. The historical record confirms Archelaus's brutality, which was so severe that he was eventually deposed by Emperor Augustus in AD 6.

**How did God communicate with Joseph in this instance?**

Answer: As with previous critical junctures in Jesus' infancy narrative, God communicated with Joseph "in a dream." The Greek word used, _chrēmatízō_ (G5537), translated as "warned of God," signifies a divine revelation or authoritative oracle. This was not a mere ordinary dream but a supernatural communication from God, providing clear and specific instructions. This repeated method of divine communication underscores God's direct involvement in guiding Joseph and protecting Jesus, demonstrating His active providence in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

**Why did Joseph turn aside into Galilee, specifically Nazareth?**

Answer: Joseph turned aside into Galilee because God specifically warned him in a dream not to go to Judaea. Galilee, while still part of the broader Herodian kingdom, was ruled by Herod Antipas, another son of Herod the Great, who was less tyrannical than Archelaus. This made Galilee a safer place for the Holy Family. The specific destination of Nazareth in Galilee ([Matthew 2:23](/matthew/2-23 "Matthew 2:23 - Settlement in Nazareth")) was also part of God's sovereign plan, as Matthew explicitly states it was to fulfill the prophecy that Jesus "would be called a Nazarene." This settlement in a relatively obscure Galilean town also set the stage for Jesus' upbringing and the later launch of His public ministry from this region.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The redirection of the Holy Family to Galilee in [Matthew 2:22](/matthew/2-22 "Matthew 2:22 - Joseph's Fear and Divine Redirection") is a profound moment of Christ-centered fulfillment, demonstrating God's meticulous care for His Son, the promised Messiah, and ensuring the unfolding of His redemptive plan. The divine protection of the infant Jesus from the tyranny of Archelaus foreshadows His ultimate victory over all powers of darkness and death. This seemingly minor geographical shift was orchestrated by God to position Jesus in Nazareth, a humble town in Galilee, thereby fulfilling prophecy and setting the stage for His public ministry. It is from this "Galilee of the Gentiles" that Jesus would later begin His preaching, calling disciples, and performing miracles, bringing light to those who sat in darkness ([Matthew 4:12-17](/matthew/4-12-17 "Matthew 4:12-17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee")). The safe upbringing of Jesus, secured by God's direct intervention, was essential for Him to grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man ([Luke 2:52](/luke/2-52 "Luke 2:52 - Jesus' Growth")), preparing Him for His ultimate mission as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, this verse is not just about Joseph's fear or God's guidance, but about the sovereign preservation of the One through whom all humanity would find salvation and eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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

Isaiah 48:17

Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I [am] the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way [that] thou shouldest go.

Isaiah 48:18

O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

Luke 2:39

And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

John 7:52

They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.

Psalms 73:24

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory.

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.

1 Samuel 16:2

And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear [it], he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD.