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:

MATTHEW 2:22KJV
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Matthew 2:22 (KJV)

What does Matthew 2:22 mean?

Matthew 2:22 describes how Joseph, after learning that Archelaus was ruling in Judea following his father Herod’s death, was afraid to return there with his family. Warned by God in a dream, Joseph instead took his family to the region of Galilee.

Joseph is the main figure in this verse, making decisions for his family’s safety after returning from Egypt. The verse shows Joseph’s caution because Archelaus, Herod’s son, was known for being harsh, and Joseph’s fear was confirmed by a divine warning in a dream. This led Joseph to settle in Galilee rather than Judea, setting the stage for Jesus growing up in Nazareth.

The Greek behind Matthew 2:22

  • Ἀρχέλαος (Archelaos): This is the Greek form of "Archelaus," Herod’s son. Knowing his reputation for cruelty helps explain Joseph’s fear.
  • ἐφοβήθη (ephobēthē): Translated as "was afraid," this word often carries the sense of being deeply concerned for safety, not just a passing worry.
  • χρηματισθείς (chrēmatistheis): This word means "warned by God" or "divinely instructed," showing that Joseph’s decision was not just based on his own fears but on a clear message from God.
  • μέρη (merē): Translated as "parts" (as in "parts of Galilee"), this word can mean regions or districts, indicating Joseph did not settle in a specific city right away but in the broader area of Galilee.

Why Matthew 2:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies why Jesus grew up in Galilee, not Judea, which fulfills later prophecies and shapes much of his early life and ministry.
  • Matthew 2:22 shows Joseph’s ongoing responsiveness to God’s guidance, highlighting the importance of obedience and discernment in uncertain situations.
  • The verse connects the political realities of the time (the rule of Archelaus) with the unfolding story of Jesus’ early years, grounding the narrative in real historical events.

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 2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

“God” Greek G5537 · used in 9 verses

  • 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.
  • Acts 10:22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
  • Hebrews 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

“aside” Greek G402 · used in 14 verses

  • 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 9:24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.
  • Matthew 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

“reign” Greek G936 · used in 18 verses

  • Luke 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
  • Romans 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
  • Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.