Matthew 2:23

KJV

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he came {G2064} and dwelt {G2730} in {G1519} a city {G4172} called {G3004} Nazareth {G3478}: that {G3704} it might be fulfilled {G4137} which {G3588} was spoken {G4483} by {G1223} the prophets {G4396},{G3754} He shall be called {G2564} a Nazarene {G3480}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and settled in a town called Natzeret, so that what had been spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he will be called a Natzrati.

Berean Standard Bible

and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”

American Standard Version

and came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, that he should be called a Nazarene.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 2:23 concludes the infancy narrative by detailing Joseph's decision, guided by divine warning, to settle his family in Nazareth of Galilee after returning from Egypt. This seemingly ordinary geographical choice is presented by Matthew as a deliberate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, asserting Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah who would be known as a "Nazarene," a term carrying connotations of both humble origins and prophetic significance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of Matthew's infancy narrative (chapters 1-2), which meticulously traces Jesus' birth, the visit of the Magi, Herod's murderous decree, the flight to Egypt, and the family's eventual return. Following Herod the Great's death, Joseph intended to return to Judea, specifically Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. However, a divine warning in a dream (Matthew's recurring motif of divine guidance, as seen in [Matthew 1:20](/matthew/1-20 "Matthew 1:20 - Angel's Message to Joseph") and [Matthew 2:13](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - Flight to Egypt")) redirected him to Galilee, specifically Nazareth. This final relocation sets the stage for Jesus' public ministry, which largely takes place in Galilee, and underscores Matthew's consistent theme of God's sovereign hand guiding every step of the Messiah's life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** After Herod the Great's death in 4 BC, his kingdom was divided among his sons. Archelaus, a notoriously cruel and tyrannical ruler, inherited Judea, Samaria, and Idumea (cf. [Matthew 2:22](/matthew/2-22 "Matthew 2:22 - Archelaus' Reign")). His reign was marked by such brutality that he was eventually deposed by Rome in 6 AD. Joseph's fear of Archelaus was well-founded, making Galilee, ruled by Herod Antipas (a less oppressive, though still problematic, ruler), a safer haven. Nazareth itself was a small, obscure, and generally disrespected village in Lower Galilee, far from the religious and political centers of Jerusalem. It held no particular prominence in Jewish tradition or prophecy, leading to the dismissive question, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" (as recorded in [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Nathanael's Question")). This cultural perception of Nazareth is crucial for understanding the prophetic implications Matthew draws.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 2:23 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, **Divine Providence and Prophetic Fulfillment** is paramount; Matthew consistently presents Jesus' life as the meticulous fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, demonstrating His identity as the promised Messiah (e.g., [Matthew 1:22-23](/matthew/1-22-23 "Matthew 1:22-23 - Prophecy of Immanuel") and [Matthew 2:15](/matthew/2-15 "Matthew 2:15 - Out of Egypt I Called My Son")). The move to Nazareth, though a practical decision by Joseph, is framed as part of God's overarching, sovereign plan. Secondly, the theme of **Humility and Obscurity** is highlighted. Jesus' upbringing in Nazareth, a town of no renown, foreshadows His humble earthly ministry and the rejection He would face, aligning with prophecies of the Messiah being despised and rejected (such as [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")). Thirdly, the verse introduces **Jesus' Identity as "The Nazarene,"** a title that would become a significant identifier for Him and later for His followers (e.g., [Acts 24:5](/acts/24-5 "Acts 24:5 - Paul Called a Nazarene")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This primary verb signifies movement, "to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)." In this context, it denotes Joseph's physical journey with Mary and Jesus from Egypt and their subsequent arrival in Nazareth, highlighting the fulfillment of the divine directive to settle there.
* **dwelt (Greek, _katoikéō'_):** Derived from "kata" (down) and "oikeo" (to dwell), this word means "to house permanently, i.e. reside (literally or figuratively)." It emphasizes that Nazareth became the family's settled home, not merely a temporary stop, establishing Jesus' foundational association with this specific town during His formative years.
* **Nazarene (Greek, _Nazōraîos'_):** This term refers to "a Nazoræan, i.e. inhabitant of Nazareth; by extension, a Christian." Its use here is pivotal, as Matthew claims its prophetic fulfillment. While no single Old Testament verse explicitly states "He shall be called a Nazarene," Matthew's plural "prophets" suggests a summation of various prophetic themes related to the Messiah's humble origins and the "Branch" prophecies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth:"** This clause describes the specific geographical outcome of Joseph's divinely guided decision. After the perilous return from Egypt and the avoidance of Archelaus's dangerous rule in Judea, Joseph, Mary, and the child Jesus establish their home in Nazareth, a small, unremarkable town in the region of Galilee. This physical relocation is presented as a crucial step in God's unfolding plan for the Messiah.
* **"that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets,"** This is Matthew's signature "fulfillment formula," indicating that the events of Jesus' life are not random but are precisely orchestrated by God to align with ancient prophecies. The use of "prophets" in the plural suggests that Matthew is not quoting a single, direct Old Testament verse, but rather summarizing a broader prophetic theme or a collection of prophecies that, when taken together, point to this outcome. It emphasizes God's sovereign control over history and the divine pattern woven into Jesus' earthly journey.
* **"He shall be called a Nazarene."** This is the specific "prophecy" Matthew cites as being fulfilled. The challenge for interpreters lies in identifying the precise Old Testament source. Scholars often connect "Nazarene" to the Hebrew word _netzer_ (נֵצֶר), meaning "branch" or "shoot," found in messianic prophecies like [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse"). Alternatively, given Nazareth's low reputation, "Nazarene" could signify the Messiah's humble, despised status, fulfilling prophecies of the Suffering Servant (e.g., [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")). Thus, Jesus' association with Nazareth encapsulates a complex prophetic truth about His identity and destiny.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew's use of a **Fulfillment Formula** ("that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets") is a hallmark of his Gospel, appearing ten times to underscore Jesus' messianic identity and the divine orchestration of His life. This device serves to connect the narrative directly to the Old Testament, presenting Jesus as the culmination of God's promises. There is also significant **Symbolism** in the choice of Nazareth. As a despised and obscure town, Nazareth symbolizes the humble and often unexpected way in which God's kingdom comes, and the Messiah's willingness to identify with the lowly. This choice also introduces an element of **Irony**, as the long-awaited Messiah, the King of Israel, grows up in a place from which "nothing good" was expected, subverting conventional expectations of grandeur and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 2:23 underscores the profound theological truth of God's sovereignty and meticulous planning. Even the seemingly mundane geographical details of Jesus' early life are revealed to be part of a divine tapestry, fulfilling ancient prophecies. This highlights that God's ways are often counter-intuitive to human expectations; the Messiah, rather than emerging from a place of prominence, is raised in obscurity, embodying humility and identifying with the marginalized. This challenges our notions of where and how God chooses to work, demonstrating His ability to use the ordinary and the overlooked for His extraordinary purposes. The "Nazarene" title, therefore, becomes a shorthand for the Messiah's humble beginnings and His connection to the "Branch" of Jesse, signifying both His Davidic lineage and His role as the new shoot of hope.

* [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse")
* [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Nathanael's Skepticism")
* [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 2:23 offers profound insights into God's character and His method of working in the world. It reveals that God's grandest plans often unfold not in the spotlight of human glory, but in the quiet, unassuming corners of life. Jesus, the promised King, spent His formative years in an obscure village, a "Nazarene" by association, challenging our assumptions about what is valuable or significant in God's eyes. This passage encourages us to embrace humility, recognizing that our perceived insignificance or humble circumstances do not disqualify us from God's purposes. Rather, they can be precisely the context through which God chooses to work powerfully. It calls us to trust in God's sovereign guidance, even when our path seems unexpected or leads through places we might deem unworthy. Our faith is not in the grandeur of our surroundings, but in the faithfulness of a God who can use anything and anyone to bring about His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' upbringing in Nazareth challenge my own expectations of how God works or where He can be found?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to despise or overlook "Nazareths" in my own life or in the lives of others?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater trust in God's sovereign plan, even when my circumstances seem obscure or unglamorous?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Nazarene" prophecy that Matthew refers to?**

Answer: Matthew 2:23 states that Jesus' dwelling in Nazareth fulfilled what was "spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene." This is one of the most debated fulfillment passages in Matthew, as no single Old Testament verse explicitly uses the phrase "He shall be called a Nazarene." Scholars propose several interpretations for Matthew's use of the plural "prophets":
1. **Connection to _Netzer_ (Branch):** Many scholars link "Nazarene" to the Hebrew word _netzer_ (נֵצֶר), meaning "branch" or "shoot." This term is used in messianic prophecies, particularly [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse"), which speaks of a "shoot from the stem of Jesse, and a branch (_netzer_) shall grow out of his roots." This aligns with Jesus' Davidic lineage and His identity as the promised Messiah.
2. **Derogatory Connotation:** Given Nazareth's low reputation (as seen in [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Nathanael's Question"), "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"), "Nazarene" may have been a term of contempt. In this sense, Matthew could be summarizing prophecies about the Messiah's humble status, suffering, and being "despised and rejected of men" (e.g., [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")).
3. **General Prophetic Summation:** It's possible Matthew is not quoting a specific verse but summarizing a broader prophetic theme found in various prophets that points to the Messiah's humble origins, His association with the common people, and His eventual rejection, all of which were characteristic of a person from Nazareth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 2:23 profoundly contributes to the Christ-centered narrative by establishing Jesus' identity not through earthly grandeur, but through humble origins, directly fulfilling the prophetic trajectory of the Messiah. By being called a "Nazarene," Jesus embodies the paradoxical nature of God's kingdom: the King of kings emerges from a despised town, a "branch" from a seemingly dead root, echoing the prophecies of [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch of Jesse") and the Suffering Servant of [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). This association with Nazareth foreshadows His entire earthly ministry—one characterized by humility, identification with the marginalized, and ultimately, rejection by the world, as Nathanael's skepticism in [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Nathanael's Question") hints. Yet, it is precisely through this path of lowliness, culminating in His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, that Jesus accomplishes salvation. The title "Nazarene" becomes a signifier of the Messiah who emptied himself, taking the form of a servant (as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation")), ultimately to be exalted as Lord of all. Even after His ascension, His followers would be identified by this very term, "the sect of the Nazarenes," as seen in [Acts 24:5](/acts/24-5 "Acts 24:5 - Paul Called a Nazarene"), further cementing His identity and the nature of His kingdom.

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

Judges 13:5

For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.

John 1:45

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

John 1:46

And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

Mark 1:24

Saying, Let [us] alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

Matthew 26:71

And when he was gone out into the porch, another [maid] saw him, and said unto them that were there, This [fellow] was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

Matthew 1:22

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

Luke 1:26

¶ And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,