Matthew 2:21
What does Matthew 2:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 2:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 2:21 means
In direct obedience to the angel's instruction, Joseph arose and took Jesus and Mary, and they returned to the land of Israel. This swift and faithful response again demonstrates Joseph's consistent commitment to fulfilling God's commands and protecting his family. Their return marks the end of their exile in Egypt and prepares the way for their permanent settlement in a new location, still under divine guidance, as they enter the land they had departed from.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he got up, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And he, having risen, took the child and his mother, and came to the land of Israel,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who arose, and took the child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he arose and took to [him] the little child and its mother, and came into the land of Israel;
Context
This verse describes Joseph's immediate and obedient return to Israel, directly following the angel's command for him to do so. This action marks the completion of the flight to Egypt and sets the family back within the promised land, immediately preceding the next divine challenge regarding where to settle, leading to their eventual home in Nazareth.
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.
v.21This passage
v.22But 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,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
- Genesis 6:22
Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
Related questions readers ask
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Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 2
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