Devine Scripture

Matthew 2:20

What does Matthew 2:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 2:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 2:20 means

The angel's message to Joseph was clear: with Herod's death, the imminent threat to Jesus' life had passed, and it was safe to return to the "land of Israel." This instruction confirms God's constant oversight and protection of His Son. Joseph's obedience to this divine guidance would soon lead the family toward their intended home, though not precisely to their original destination. This command sets the family's feet on the path back to their homeland.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Saying, Get up and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: because they who were attempting to take the young child's life are dead.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

saying, `Having risen, take the child and his mother, and be going to the land of Israel, for they have died--those seeking the life of the child.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Saying: Arise, and take the child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel. For they are dead that sought the life of the child.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Arise, take to [thee] the little child and its mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they who sought the life of the little child are dead.

Context

This verse contains the angel's explicit command for Joseph to return to Israel, directly following the news of Herod's death. This instruction initiates the family's journey back to their homeland, leading immediately to Joseph's obedient departure in the next verse, but also foreshadowing further divine guidance concerning their settlement within Israel.

v.19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,

v.20This passage

v.21And he arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

Cross references

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

  • Exodus 4:19

    And Jehovah said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt; for all the men are dead that sought thy life.

  • 1 Kings 12:1

    And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king.

  • Matthew 2:13

    Now 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.

  • 1 Kings 11:40

    Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam; but Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.

  • 1 Kings 11:21

    And when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the host was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let me depart, that I may go to mine own country.

  • Proverbs 3:5

    Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding:

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