Matthew 2:20–21

Lore & Background

In these verses, an angel tells Joseph to arise, take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, because those who sought the young child's life are dead. Joseph arises and does exactly as instructed, bringing the family into the land of Israel. The wording is extremely close to Exodus 4:19.

The plural 'they are dead' is a point of contention, as only Herod is known to have died. Explanations include a possible reference to Herod's son Antipater, who died five days before Herod, or a figure of speech. Jerome believed the priests and scribes also sought the Lord's death, while Saint Remigius suggested all great men among the Jews were slain at Herod's death. The phrase 'land of Israel' is one of several places in the New Testament where 'Israel' refers to a geographic location, including Matthew 10:23 and Matthew 8:10.

Reader's Guide

These verses are significant for their role in the infancy narrative of Matthew, showing Joseph's obedience to divine instruction and the family's return from Egypt. The plural 'they are dead' has generated scholarly debate, with no consensus on whether it refers to multiple persecutors or is a literary device. The close parallel to Exodus 4:19 ties Jesus' story to the Exodus narrative, reinforcing themes of deliverance. The use of 'land of Israel' is unique in the New Testament and anticipates the family's settlement in Galilee. The passage underscores the virtue of prompt obedience, as Joseph's actions mirror the angel's command almost verbatim. Church fathers like Pseudo-Dionysius and Bede saw typological significance, linking the return to the restoration of the Church after persecution.

Did You Know?

• The wording of Matthew 2:20 is extremely close to that of Exodus 4:19.
• The plural 'they are dead' is unambiguous in the original Greek and all surviving versions.
• This is one of several places in the New Testament where 'Israel' is used to refer to a geographic location, including Matthew 10:23 and Matthew 8:10.
• Verse 21 is an almost exact copy of verse 20, but in the past tense.