Matthew 2:12-13
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The text reveals that the wise men were not just passively warned, but the Greek word used implies they were actively consulting God, receiving an answer in their dream. This highlights that their journey wasn't just about following a star, but a deeply engaged spiritual quest where God responded to their seeking. They were being protected from unknowingly assisting Herod's murderous plot, showcasing God's care for even these Gentile seekers.
And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After finding Jesus and offering their precious gifts, the wise men learn in a dream that they must avoid Herod's dangerous deception. Consequently, they wisely choose a different route to return home, ensuring their safety and preventing Herod from using them to harm the young child.
The wise men had already gone to great lengths to find Jesus. But their journey wasn't over when they found Him; God's guidance continued.
The Greek word used here for 'warned' (chrematisthentes) implies receiving an answer to a question or consultation. This suggests the Magi weren't just passively receiving a message; they had likely sought God's direction, perhaps even praying or asking for wisdom. God honors those who actively seek Him.
Herod was a dangerous man with deadly intentions. Why would God allow these humble visitors to walk right into his trap?
Herod’s plan was to use the Magi to find and kill Jesus. But God, in His wisdom and power, intervened.
Ask a follow-up
The wise men didn't just avoid Herod; they took a completely different path home. What does this detour signify for us?
The instruction for the Magi to depart 'by another way' is more than just a logistical detail; it points to God’s guidance in unexpected directions.
Understand the original words
angelos · Greek Noun
A messenger of God sent to communicate His divine will to humanity. Angels are created spiritual beings who serve as agents of God’s intervention in history.
pheugō · Greek Verb
To escape or run away from danger, persecution, or judgment. Biblically, it often describes a divinely guided movement to safety or away from divine wrath.
apollymi · Greek Verb
To ruin, slay, or render useless. In this context, it refers to the intent of an oppressor to end a life or thwart God's sovereign plan.
This event highlights God's direct intervention to protect Jesus, using dreams to guide the Magi and foil Herod's murderous plans. It also signifies the Gentile world's early recognition of Christ's kingship, as the Magi become the first 'outsiders' to worship the newborn King.
c. 6 BC
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem during the reign of Herod the Great.
c. 6-4 BC
Magi visit Jerusalem
Wise men from the East arrive in Jerusalem seeking the newborn King of the Jews, prompting Herod's inquiry.
c. 6-4 BC— this verse
Magi guided to Bethlehem
A star guides the Magi to Bethlehem, where they find Jesus and present their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
c. 6-4 BC
Magi warned in a dream
The Magi receive a divine warning in a dream not to return to Herod, prompting them to find another route home.
c. 6-4 BC
Herod's Massacre of the Innocents
Upon realizing he has been tricked, Herod orders the slaughter of all male infants in Bethlehem, attempting to kill Jesus.
c. 6-4 BC
Flight to Egypt
Joseph, Mary, and Jesus flee to Egypt to escape Herod's murderous rage.
This passage parallels the divine protection offered to the Magi, highlighting how God preserves those with sincere hearts from becoming unwitting accomplices in wickedness, just as He protected Abimelech.
Job 5:12-14This passage speaks to God frustrating the plans of the crafty and taking the wise in their own foolishness, mirroring how God thwarted Herod's dangerous plot through the dream given to the Magi.
Acts 10:22Like Cornelius, who was directly addressed by God to seek out Peter, the Magi were also directly warned by God in a dream, showing a pattern of divine communication with those seeking Him outside the usual channels.
1 Kings 11:41-42This passage shows that even kings and their actions were recorded in the 'Book of the Kings of Israel,' suggesting a historical record-keeping that parallels Matthew's own careful documentation of events, including the Magi's journey and divine guidance.
Hebrews 11:7Noah was 'warned about things not yet seen' and 'by faith built an ark,' which resonates with the Magi being warned in a dream about future dangers (Herod's intent) and acting in faith by taking an alternate route.
vincentMatthew 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."
Being warned (χρηματισθέντες)The verb means to give a response to one who asks or consults: hence, in the passive, as here, to receive an answer. The word therefore implies that the wise men had sought counsel of God; and so Wycliffe, "And answer taken in sleep."
bensonMatthew 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 2:12 . And being warned of God in a dream, that they should not return to Herod — Which, it is probable, in the simplicity of their hearts, they were preparing to do, they departed into their own country another way — Not at all solicitous as to the consequences of Herod’s resentment. Thus did the providence of God watch over these devout Gentiles, a…
The text reveals that the wise men were not just passively warned, but the Greek word used implies they were actively consulting God, receiving an answer in their dream. This highlights that their journey wasn't just about following a star, but a deeply engaged spiritual quest where God responded to their seeking. They were being protected from unknowingly assisting Herod's murderous plot, showcasing God's care for even these Gentile seekers.
After finding Jesus and offering their precious gifts, the wise men learn in a dream that they must avoid Herod's dangerous deception. Consequently, they wisely choose a different route to return home, ensuring their safety and preventing Herod from using them to harm the young child.
After finding Jesus and offering their precious gifts, the wise men learn in a dream that they must avoid Herod's dangerous deception. Consequently, they wisely choose a different route to return home, ensuring their safety and preventing Herod from using them to harm the young child.
"And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, a…" — The text reveals that the wise men were not just passively warned, but the Greek word used implies they were actively consulting God, receiving an answer in their dream. This highlights that their…
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Last reviewed October 2026
