Matthew 2:14
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐγερθεὶς
he arose
G1453
ἐγερθεὶς
he arose
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
3 of 15
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
παρέλαβεν
he took
G3880
παρέλαβεν
he took
Strong's:
G3880
Word #:
4 of 15
to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παιδίον
the young child
G3813
παιδίον
the young child
Strong's:
G3813
Word #:
6 of 15
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μητέρα
mother
G3384
μητέρα
mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
9 of 15
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Egypt had a large Jewish community and was outside Herod's jurisdiction. The journey of approximately 75-100 miles could be completed in several days. Herod died in 4 BC, so the family's stay was relatively brief.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Joseph's immediate obedience despite inconvenience and danger model faithful response to God's Word?
- In what ways does Christ recapitulate Israel's history, fulfilling what they failed to accomplish?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Joseph's immediate nighttime departure demonstrates urgent obedience to God's Word, prioritizing divine command over comfort and convenience. Egypt, once the place of Israel's bondage, now becomes refuge for the ultimate Deliverer—an ironic reversal showing God's redemptive purposes transforming former places of judgment. This flight also fulfills the pattern of Israel's history being recapitulated in Christ.