Matthew 2:20 (KJV)

What does Matthew 2:20 mean?

Matthew 2:20 records an angel telling Joseph in a dream to get up, take Jesus and Mary, and return to Israel because those who wanted to kill the child are now dead. This verse marks the end of the immediate threat to Jesus’ life from King Herod and signals it is safe for the family to leave Egypt.

The angel is speaking directly to Joseph, who had taken Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s order to kill young boys in Bethlehem. The message reassures Joseph that the danger has passed, using clear instructions to return to their homeland. The verse highlights God’s guidance and protection over Jesus’ early life.

The Greek behind Matthew 2:20

• ἐγείρω (egeirō, "Arise"): This word often means to "wake up" or "get up," and here it carries a sense of urgency, telling Joseph to act promptly.
• τεθνήκασιν (tethnēkasin, "are dead"): The Greek verb is in the perfect tense, suggesting the threat is completely finished—the people who sought Jesus’ life are no longer alive.
• ζητοῦντες (zētountes, "sought"): This word means "seeking" or "trying to find," emphasizing that there was an active effort to harm Jesus, not just a passive danger.
• ψυχή (psychē, "life"): While often translated as "soul" or "life," in this context it refers to the physical life of the child, underlining the mortal danger Jesus faced.

Why Matthew 2:20 matters

• Matthew 2:20 clarifies that God’s guidance to Joseph was specific and timely, showing divine care for Jesus’ safety and the fulfillment of prophecy.
• The verse connects back to earlier warnings and dreams, showing a pattern of God communicating with Joseph in critical moments.
• By stating that those who sought the child’s life are dead, the verse closes the chapter on Herod’s threat and prepares the way for Jesus’ return to Israel, tying Jesus’ early experiences to the larger story of Israel’s history and deliverance.