Devine Scripture

Matthew 2:19

What does Matthew 2:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 2:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 2:19 means

After the period of great sorrow and danger, God once again intervened. An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, informing him that "Herod was dead" and that those who sought the young child's life were no longer a threat. This divine message signals the end of their exile in Egypt and the opportunity to return to the land of Israel. God's providential timing ensures Jesus' safety and the next phase of His early life.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when Herod was dead, an angel of the Lord came in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Herod having died, lo, a messenger of the Lord in a dream doth appear to Joseph in Egypt,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But when Herod was dead, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph in Egypt,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Herod having died, behold, an angel of [the] Lord appears in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,

Context

This verse marks a significant turning point, announcing Herod's death and the end of the immediate danger that prompted the flight to Egypt. This angelic message to Joseph directly clears the way for the Holy Family's return journey to the land of Israel, as detailed in the following verse, setting up the next stage of God's protective guidance.

v.18A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she would not be comforted, because they are not.

v.19This passage

v.20Arise 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.

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,

  • Daniel 8:25

    And through his policy he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and in their security shall he destroy many: he shall also stand up against the prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

  • Psalms 76:10

    Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: The residue of wrath shalt thou gird upon thee.

  • Isaiah 51:12

    I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou art afraid of man that shall die, and of the son of man that shall be made as grass;

  • Daniel 11:45

    And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the sea and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

  • Ezekiel 11:16

    Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Whereas I have removed them far off among the nations, and whereas I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them a sanctuary for a little while in the countries where they are come.

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