Matthew 2:23

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἐλθὼν
G2064
he came
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
κατῴκησεν
G2730
and dwelt
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
#4
εἰς
G1519
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#5
πόλιν
G4172
a city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#6
λεγομένην
G3004
called
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#7
Ναζαρέτ·
G3478
Nazareth
nazareth or nazaret, a place in palestine
#8
ὅπως
G3704
that
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
#9
πληρωθῇ
G4137
it might be fulfilled
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
#10
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ῥηθὲν
G4483
was spoken
to utter, i.e., speak or say
#12
διὰ
G1223
by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#13
τῶν
G3588
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
προφητῶν
G4396
the prophets
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
#15
ὅτι
G3754
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#16
Ναζωραῖος
G3480
a Nazarene
a nazoraean, i.e., inhabitant of nazareth; by extension, a christian
#17
κληθήσεται
G2564
He shall be called
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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