But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

MATTHEW 2:19KJV
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Matthew 2:19 (KJV)

What does Matthew 2:19 mean?

Matthew 2:19 tells us that after King Herod died, an angel from God appeared to Joseph in a dream while Joseph was still in Egypt. This message signals a change in Joseph’s situation and sets up the next part of the story about Jesus’ early life.

The verse is part of the account where Joseph, Mary, and the young Jesus had fled to Egypt to escape Herod’s order to kill young children in Bethlehem. Now, with Herod’s death, God communicates to Joseph through a dream, just as He had done before, showing that Joseph is still being guided and protected by God’s direction.

The Greek behind Matthew 2:19

  • ἰδοὺ (idou, “behold”): This word is used to draw attention to something important or surprising. Here, it signals that what happens next—the angel’s appearance—is a significant turning point.
  • ἄγγελος (angelos, “angel”): The Greek word means “messenger.” In this context, it emphasizes that the message Joseph receives is directly from God, not just a personal thought or feeling.
  • ἐν ὀνείρῳ (en oneirō, “in a dream”): This phrase shows that God is communicating with Joseph in a supernatural way, consistent with earlier dreams Joseph received in Matthew’s account.

Why Matthew 2:19 matters

  • Matthew 2:19 marks the end of Herod’s threat to Jesus, making it clear that the family’s time in Egypt was temporary and part of God’s protective plan.
  • The verse highlights how God continues to guide Joseph through dreams, reinforcing Joseph’s role as a faithful and obedient guardian of Jesus.
  • This moment connects to earlier verses where dreams directed Joseph’s actions, showing a pattern of divine guidance and fulfillment of prophecy throughout Jesus’ early life.

Where else these words appear

“dream” Greek G3677 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

“dead” Greek G5053 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Mark 7:10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
  • Luke 7:2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

“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.

“appeareth” Greek G5316 · used in 31 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;