New Testament
Matthew 2:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
where he settled in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: "He will be called a Nazarene."
Compare translations
And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
What Matthew 2:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Joseph and Mary settling in Nazareth after returning from Egypt with Jesus. This move was significant because it fulfilled a prophecy about the Messiah. The term "Nazarene" indicates Jesus' humble beginnings and his connection to a town that was not highly regarded. The prophets had hinted at this identity, showing that Jesus' life was in line with God's plan. By living in Nazareth, Jesus identified with the common people and their struggles. This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling prophecies and how Jesus' life was shaped by them, highlighting God's sovereignty in guiding events. It also reflects the theme of humility, as Jesus came from a place that many looked down upon. This aspect of his life serves as a reminder that greatness can come from unexpected places and that God often works through the humble and overlooked.
How to apply Matthew 2:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize that God can work through humble beginnings and unexpected circumstances. Just as Jesus came from Nazareth, we should not underestimate our own backgrounds or the potential of others. Embrace your identity and trust that God has a purpose for you.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Growing Up in Nazareth (Matthew 2:19–23)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 2:23
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 2:23
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 2:23 mean about Jesus being called a Nazarene?
Matthew 2:23 refers to Jesus settling in Nazareth, fulfilling a prophecy about the Messiah's identity. The term 'Nazarene' signifies Jesus' humble origins, as Nazareth was not a prestigious town. This aspect of his life highlights God's plan and the idea that greatness can emerge from unexpected places. It emphasizes that Jesus identified with the common people, reflecting humility and the divine guidance in his life.
Why is Nazareth significant in the life of Jesus?
Nazareth is significant because it represents Jesus' humble beginnings and his connection to ordinary people. By growing up in a town that was often looked down upon, Jesus' life illustrates the theme of humility and the fulfillment of prophecy. This setting emphasizes that God's purposes can unfold in unexpected ways, reminding us that our backgrounds do not determine our potential or value in God's eyes.
How does Matthew 2:23 relate to the theme of prophecy?
Matthew 2:23 connects to the theme of prophecy by showing how Jesus' life fulfilled what was spoken by the prophets. This verse highlights the importance of prophetic fulfillment in the biblical narrative, demonstrating that Jesus' identity and mission were part of God's sovereign plan. It reassures believers that God's promises are reliable and that He orchestrates events according to His will.
What can we learn from Jesus' humble origins in Nazareth?
Jesus' humble origins in Nazareth teach us that God can work through seemingly insignificant circumstances. It encourages us to embrace our own backgrounds and recognize the potential within ourselves and others. This perspective fosters humility and reminds us that greatness often comes from unexpected places, reinforcing the idea that God values the heart over social status or reputation.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.