Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,

MATTHEW 2:17KJV
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Matthew 2:17 (KJV)

What does Matthew 2:17 mean?

Matthew 2:17 says that a prophecy spoken by the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled at this point in the story. The verse sets up a connection between the events happening in Jesus’ early life and something Jeremiah had predicted long before.

Matthew is narrating what happened after King Herod ordered the killing of young children in Bethlehem. Matthew points out that this tragic event was not random, but had already been spoken about by Jeremiah, showing that the story of Jesus fits into a larger pattern God had revealed through the prophets. The next verse will quote Jeremiah’s words directly.

Why Matthew 2:17 matters

  • Matthew 2:17 helps the reader see that the events in Jesus’ life were seen as part of God’s long-term plan, not just isolated incidents.
  • By mentioning Jeremiah, Matthew connects the pain and loss in Bethlehem to the sorrow described in Israel’s past, inviting readers to see deeper meaning in both.
  • This verse prepares the reader for the Old Testament quotation that follows, highlighting how Matthew uses prophecy to interpret the significance of Jesus’ early years.

Where else these words appear

“Jeremy” Greek G2408 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
  • Matthew 27:9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;

“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:)

“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.

“prophet” Greek G4396 · used in 143 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
  • Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?