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.