Matthew 2:12
What does Matthew 2:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 2:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 2:12 means
Having worshipped the young child, the Wise Men received a direct divine warning in a dream: they were not to return to Herod. This heavenly intervention protected them from becoming accomplices in Herod's plot and shielded Jesus from immediate danger. Their obedient departure "into their own country another way" demonstrates their reverence for God's instruction and thwarts Herod's scheme, showing that God's plan for Jesus' protection was already in motion. This dream highlights God's active involvement in the unfolding events.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And it was made clear to them by God in a dream that they were not to go back to Herod; so they went into their country by another way.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and having been divinely warned in a dream not to turn back unto Herod, through another way they withdrew to their own region.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And being divinely instructed in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Context
This pivotal verse details God's divine intervention, warning the Wise Men and directly counteracting Herod's plot. Their obedient departure immediately sets the stage for a similar divine warning to Joseph in the next verse, initiating the flight to Egypt to further protect Jesus from Herod's wrath. This warning shows God's sovereign protection at work.
v.11And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
v.12This passage
v.13Now when they were departed, behold, an 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 tell thee: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 2:22
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,
- Job 33:15
In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falleth upon men, In slumberings upon the bed;
- 1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He that taketh the wise in their craftiness:
- Acts 4:19
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye:
- Matthew 2:19
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,
- Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned of God concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 2.
Devotionals
Devotional
Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
Devotional
The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
Devotional
Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Anger
The Bible addresses anger directly, offering wisdom on its destructive potential and how believers can manage it righteously.
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Can't Sleep Because of Anxious Thoughts
Verses to read in bed when your mind won't stop.