Matthew 2:15
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἕως
until
G2193
ἕως
until
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
4 of 24
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πληρωθῇ
it might be fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθῇ
it might be fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
9 of 24
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
12 of 24
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κυρίου
the Lord
G2962
Κυρίου
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
14 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
15 of 24
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήτου
the prophet
G4396
προφήτου
the prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
17 of 24
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
λέγοντος
saying
G3004
λέγοντος
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
18 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἐξ
Out of
G1537
Ἐξ
Out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
19 of 24
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἐκάλεσα
have I called
G2564
ἐκάλεσα
have I called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
21 of 24
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τὸν
which
G3588
τὸν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hosea 11:1When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.Exodus 4:22And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:Numbers 24:8God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.Luke 24:44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.Matthew 1:22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,Matthew 26:54But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?Matthew 2:17Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,Matthew 2:19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,Matthew 2:23And 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.Matthew 26:56But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
Historical Context
Hosea 11:1 (written around 750 BC) reflected on the Exodus (c. 1446 BC). Matthew's 'fulfilled' shows how Christ consummates Old Testament patterns. Jesus embodies Israel's calling, perfectly obeying where Israel rebelled. This is typological prophecy, not mere prediction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' identification with Israel encourage you when you face trials?
- In what ways does Jesus fulfill what you could never accomplish?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'Out of Egypt have I called my son' quotes Hosea 11:1, originally about Israel's exodus. Matthew sees a typological fulfillment—as Israel was God's 'son' called from Egypt, so Jesus (the true Israel) recapitulates Israel's experience but succeeds where they failed. Jesus' stay 'until the death of Herod' protected God's redemptive plan.