Matthew 2:23
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλθὼν
he came
G2064
ἐλθὼν
he came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
κατῴκησεν
and dwelt
G2730
κατῴκησεν
and dwelt
Strong's:
G2730
Word #:
3 of 17
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
λεγομένην
called
G3004
λεγομένην
called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
8 of 17
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
πληρωθῇ
it might be fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθῇ
it might be fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
9 of 17
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
12 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφητῶν
the prophets
G4396
προφητῶν
the prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
14 of 17
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
ὅτι
G3754
Historical Context
Nazareth was an insignificant Galilean village, looked down upon even by other Jews. Growing up there subjected Jesus to scorn, fulfilling prophecies of Messiah being 'despised and rejected' (Isaiah 53:3). The term may also play on 'Nazarite' consecration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's association with despised Nazareth demonstrate His willing humiliation for our sake?
- What does Jesus' identification with the lowly and rejected mean for our own status in the world?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Matthew's statement about Nazareth fulfilling prophecy is puzzling since no specific Old Testament text says 'He shall be called a Nazarene.' Most likely, this references the Hebrew 'netzer' (branch) in Isaiah 11:1, or reflects Nazareth's despised status (John 1:46), showing Christ identified with the rejected and lowly. This demonstrates Christ's humiliation in taking on human nature in its weakest, most despised form.