Devine Scripture

Matthew 2:14

What does Matthew 2:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 2:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 2:14 means

Joseph's immediate and obedient response to the angelic warning is highlighted here. Without delay or hesitation, he arose "by night," taking Jesus and Mary to flee into Egypt. This swift action demonstrates his unwavering faith and his commitment to protecting the child entrusted to his care, even under the dire emergency of an attempted infanticide. His obedience underscores the urgency of the divine command and the tangible threat posed by Herod, ensuring Jesus' safety.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So he took the young child and his mother by night, and went into Egypt;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he, having risen, took the child and his mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Who arose, and took the child and his mother by night, and retired into Egypt: and he was there until the death of Herod:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And, having arisen, he took to [him] the little child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt.

Context

This verse describes Joseph's immediate and nocturnal obedience to the angel's warning in the preceding verse. His swift action to depart for Egypt directly leads to their stay there until Herod's death. This highlights Joseph's role as protector and ensures the safe passage of Jesus and Mary, setting the scene for a prophetic fulfillment in the next verse.

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.

v.14This passage

v.15and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 2:20

    Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead that sought the young child’s life.

  • Matthew 1:24

    And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife;

  • Acts 26:21

    For this cause the Jews seized me in the temple, and assayed to kill me.

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