And 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 2:15KJV
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Matthew 2:15 (KJV)

What does Matthew 2:15 mean?

Matthew 2:15 says that Jesus and his family stayed in Egypt until King Herod died, in order to fulfill what God had spoken through the prophet: “Out of Egypt have I called my son.” This verse connects Jesus’ early life to a prophecy, showing that his journey matches what was foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Matthew is narrating how Joseph, Mary, and Jesus remained in Egypt as refugees until Herod’s death made it safe to return. Matthew points out that this event fulfills a message from God delivered by a prophet—referring to Hosea 11:1, where God once called Israel out of Egypt. By quoting this, Matthew highlights a parallel between Israel’s history and Jesus’ life, suggesting Jesus represents God’s chosen son in a new way.

The Greek behind Matthew 2:15

  • πληρωθῇ (plērōthē, “fulfilled”): This word means to bring something to completion or to fill up. Matthew uses it to show that Jesus’ time in Egypt was not random but part of God’s larger plan, bringing the words of the prophet to their full meaning.
  • ἐξ Αἰγύπτου (ex Aigyptou, “out of Egypt”): The phrase echoes the Greek version of Hosea 11:1. Matthew uses it to draw a direct link between Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and Jesus’ return, suggesting a pattern in how God works through history.
  • τὸν υἱόν μου (ton huion mou, “my son”): The Greek phrase means “my son,” which in Hosea refers to Israel as God’s child. Matthew applies it to Jesus, showing that Jesus stands as a representative or embodiment of God’s son in a unique sense.

Why Matthew 2:15 matters

  • Matthew 2:15 clarifies that Jesus’ stay in Egypt was not just for safety but was seen as a fulfillment of God’s plan, connecting Jesus’ life to Israel’s story.
  • The verse helps readers see that Matthew is intentionally drawing parallels between Jesus and the history of Israel, showing continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
  • By quoting the prophet, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus’ life events were anticipated in Scripture, which would have been important for his Jewish audience seeking signs of the Messiah.

Where else these words appear

“Egypt” Greek G125 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Acts 7:12 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.
  • Acts 13:17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

“spoken” Greek G4483 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
  • Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,(whoso readeth, let him understand:)

“Herod” Greek G2264 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Mark 6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
  • Luke 23:7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

“fulfilled” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
  • Acts 24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.