Matthew 2:19
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
Original Language Analysis
Τελευτήσαντος
was dead
G5053
Τελευτήσαντος
was dead
Strong's:
G5053
Word #:
1 of 14
to finish life (by implication, of g0979), i.e., expire (demise)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελος
an angel
G32
ἄγγελος
an angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
6 of 14
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
Κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
Κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
7 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
κατ'
in
G2596
κατ'
in
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
8 of 14
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
φαίνεται
appeareth
G5316
φαίνεται
appeareth
Strong's:
G5316
Word #:
10 of 14
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 1:20But while he thought on these things, behold, the 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 Ghost.Daniel 8:25And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.Isaiah 51:12I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;Psalms 139:7Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?Psalms 76:10Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.Jeremiah 30:10Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.Matthew 2:22But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea 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:Ezekiel 11:16Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.Daniel 11:45And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.
Historical Context
Herod died in 4 BC from a gruesome disease described by Josephus, involving gangrene and worms. His death was agonizing, befitting his cruelty. God's timing in protecting Jesus until after Herod's death shows precise providential care.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the death of tyrants like Herod demonstrate that God's justice, though sometimes delayed, is certain?
- What does this passage teach about trusting God's timing and protection for His people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Herod's death demonstrates God's sovereign justice—tyrants may rage, but their days are numbered by divine decree. The timing of the angel's message shows God's providential care, protecting His Son until the threat passed. This illustrates the principle that no weapon formed against God's purposes shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).