Devine Scripture

Matthew 2:22

What does Matthew 2:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 2:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 2:22 means

Upon returning to Israel, Joseph learned that Herod's son, Archelaus, was reigning over Judea. Knowing Archelaus's character – often as cruel as his father – Joseph was afraid to settle there. God, through another dream, provided further guidance, directing him away from Judea and into the region of Galilee. This illustrates God's continued protective hand over Jesus, guiding His family to a safe and prophetically significant location as He continues to direct their journey.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when it came to his ears that Archelaus was ruling over Judaea in the place of his father Herod, he was in fear of going there; and God having given him news of the danger in a dream, he went out of the way into the country parts of Galilee.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having heard that Archelaus doth reign over Judea instead of Herod his father, he was afraid to go thither, and having been divinely warned in a dream, he withdrew to the parts of Galilee,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But hearing that Archclaus reigned in Judea in the room of Herod his father, he was afraid to go thither: and being warned in sleep retired into the quarters of Galilee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but having heard that 'Archelaus reigns over Judaea, instead of Herod his father,' he was afraid to go there; and having been divinely instructed in a dream, he went away into the parts of Galilee,

Context

This verse introduces a new challenge for Joseph upon his return to Israel: the reign of Archelaus in Judea. This fear, coupled with another divine warning, directs the family away from their initial presumed destination. This crucial guidance immediately precedes their relocation to Nazareth, providing the context for their eventual settlement and the fulfillment of a distinct prophecy.

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

v.22This passage

v.23and came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, that he should be called a Nazarene.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 19:17

    And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the Plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

  • John 7:41

    Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, What, doth the Christ come out of Galilee?

  • Matthew 1:20

    But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

  • Psalms 73:24

    Thou wilt guide me with thy counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.

  • John 7:52

    They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and see that out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.

  • Acts 9:13

    But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem:

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