And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

MATTHEW 2:23KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 2:23 (KJV)

What does Matthew 2:23 mean?

Matthew 2:23 says that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus settled in the city of Nazareth so that what was spoken by the prophets—“He shall be called a Nazarene”—would be fulfilled. This verse connects Jesus’ upbringing in Nazareth with Old Testament prophetic expectations.

Matthew is narrating how Joseph brought his family to Nazareth after returning from Egypt, choosing this city for safety and to fulfill prophecy. The verse highlights Matthew’s theme that Jesus’ life events match what the prophets foretold, even though the exact phrase “He shall be called a Nazarene” does not appear in the Old Testament. Matthew is likely referring to a general prophetic idea rather than quoting a specific verse.

The Greek behind Matthew 2:23

  • Ναζαρηνός (Nazarēnos, G3480): This word means “Nazarene,” referring to someone from Nazareth. The term also carried a sense of being despised or insignificant, which may connect to prophetic themes about the Messiah’s humble origins.
  • πληρωθῇ (plērōthē, G4137): This word means “fulfilled.” Matthew uses it to show that Jesus’ move to Nazareth fits into God’s larger plan as foretold by the prophets.
  • προφητῶν (prophētōn, G4396): This is the plural form for “prophets,” indicating Matthew is summarizing the message of several prophets rather than quoting one directly.

Why Matthew 2:23 matters

  • Matthew 2:23 helps explain why Jesus is often called “Jesus of Nazareth” and why that title matters in the story of his life and ministry.
  • The verse shows Matthew’s method of connecting Jesus’ life to Old Testament prophecies, even when the wording is not a direct quote, emphasizing fulfillment of God’s plan.
  • Understanding that “He shall be called a Nazarene” is not a direct Old Testament quotation clears up confusion and shows Matthew’s focus on the broader prophetic theme of the Messiah’s humble and unexpected background.

Where else these words appear

“Nazareth” Greek G3478 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 4:13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:
  • Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

“Nazarene” Greek G3480 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 26:71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
  • John 18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
  • Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

“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:)

“dwelt” Greek G2730 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 4:13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:
  • Acts 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
  • James 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?