Matthew 4:14
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,
Original Language Analysis
πληρωθῇ
it might be fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθῇ
it might be fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
2 of 9
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
5 of 9
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
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.Luke 22:37For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.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 2:15And 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.Matthew 1:22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,Matthew 26:56But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.Matthew 8:17That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.Matthew 26:54But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?John 15:25But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.John 19:28After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.
Historical Context
Matthew's frequent appeal to fulfillment quotations proves to Jewish readers that Jesus is the Messiah. His ministry in Galilee, the region first conquered by Assyria (734 BC), demonstrates that God's salvation begins where judgment once fell—grace triumphing over judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy 700+ years later demonstrate God's sovereign control over history?
- What does Christ bringing light to the darkest regions teach about the gospel's power to penetrate spiritual darkness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Matthew's formula 'that it might be fulfilled' introduces another fulfillment quotation, showing Christ's ministry among the Gentiles was prophetically predetermined. Isaiah 9:1-2 promised light to those in darkness, which Matthew sees realized in Christ's Galilean ministry. This demonstrates the unity of Scripture and God's sovereign plan unfolding across centuries. Every detail of Christ's life accomplishes redemptive-historical purposes.