New Testament
Matthew 2:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They stayed there until Herod died. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."
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And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
What Matthew 2:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Joseph, Mary, and Jesus in Egypt, where they fled to escape King Herod's deadly decree to kill all young boys in Bethlehem. Their stay in Egypt was not just a matter of safety; it was a fulfillment of a prophecy from the Old Testament. The phrase 'Out of Egypt I called my son' refers to God's calling of Israel out of Egypt during the Exodus, but here it is applied to Jesus, indicating that He is the true Israel and the fulfillment of God's promises. This moment highlights God's sovereignty and His plan for salvation through Jesus, who would later lead His people out of spiritual bondage. The reference to the prophet emphasizes the continuity of God's plan throughout history, showing that Jesus' life and mission were foretold long before His birth. This verse reassures believers that God is in control, even in dire circumstances, and that His promises are always fulfilled.
How to apply Matthew 2:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem dire. Just as God protected Jesus and fulfilled His promises, we can have faith that He is watching over us and guiding our lives according to His purpose. We should seek to understand and embrace God's will in our own journeys.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13–18)
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Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 2:15 mean by 'Out of Egypt I called my son'?
In Matthew 2:15, the phrase 'Out of Egypt I called my son' refers to a prophecy from the Old Testament, specifically Hosea 11:1, which originally spoke of God's calling of Israel out of Egypt during the Exodus. Matthew applies this to Jesus, indicating that He embodies the true Israel and fulfills God's promises. This connection emphasizes Jesus' role in God's redemptive plan and highlights His significance in salvation history.
Why did Joseph and Mary flee to Egypt?
Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt to escape King Herod's decree to kill all male infants in Bethlehem. This flight was a protective measure to ensure the safety of Jesus, as Herod sought to eliminate any threat to his throne. Their journey to Egypt not only provided immediate safety but also fulfilled the prophecy that Jesus would come out of Egypt, illustrating God's sovereignty and guidance in their lives.
How does Matthew 2:15 show God's sovereignty?
Matthew 2:15 illustrates God's sovereignty by demonstrating that He orchestrated events to fulfill His prophetic word. Despite the threat posed by King Herod, God guided Joseph and Mary to Egypt, ensuring Jesus' safety. This divine intervention highlights that God is in control of history and fulfills His promises, even in challenging circumstances, reassuring believers of His overarching plan for salvation.
What is the significance of Jesus being called the true Israel?
Jesus being referred to as the true Israel signifies that He represents the fulfillment of God's covenant with His people. Just as Israel was called out of Egypt and chosen to be God's servant, Jesus embodies the ideal Israelite who perfectly fulfills God's law and mission. This designation emphasizes His role in salvation history, as He leads His people out of spiritual bondage and into a restored relationship with God.
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