Matthew 2:21
And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
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
and took
G3880
παρέλαβεν
and 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 #:
11 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦλθεν
came
G2064
ἦλθεν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
12 of 15
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Historical Context
The return occurred after Herod's death in 4 BC, when Jesus was likely 2-3 years old. The family's years in Egypt were formative, though Scripture is silent about this period, emphasizing instead God's providential protection and guidance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Joseph's continued obedience after facing persecution model persevering faith?
- What does the return to Israel signify about God's covenant faithfulness to His promises?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Joseph's obedient return to Israel demonstrates continued trust in God's guidance despite previous danger. The phrase 'land of Israel' emphasizes the covenantal significance of the promised land as the setting for Messiah's ministry. Joseph's faithful obedience shows that true faith perseveres in following God's leading, even when circumstances have been threatening.