And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse subtly emphasizes the reverent way Joseph refers to Jesus and Mary—"the young child and his mother." This isn't casual phrasing; it highlights Joseph's deep respect for their divine roles, treating them not just as his family, but as sacred figures under his divine protection.
And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joseph, having been warned in a dream to flee Herod's murderous intent, immediately takes the young child Jesus and his mother Mary. They depart under the cover of night, seeking refuge in Egypt, a land with a complex history for their people. This urgent flight is prompted by the brutal decree of King Herod, who is now desperately trying to eliminate the newborn king he heard about from the wise men.
Imagine getting a sudden, urgent instruction in the middle of the night. No time to pack, no time to explain. Just go. That's the reality Joseph faced.
Matthew 2:14 highlights Joseph's immediate obedience to God's command. The phrase 'he arose... by night' tells us Joseph didn't delay or question.
Swift Action
This wasn't a casual suggestion; it was a divine directive delivered in a dream. Joseph's response, rising and taking Jesus and Mary 'by night,' demonstrates a profound trust in the heavenly message. He prioritized the safety of the Holy Family over his own comfort or understanding.
Purposeful Concealment
Departing under the cover of darkness wasn't just about speed; it was about strategic evasion. Herod's murderous intent made secrecy essential for the survival of the young Jesus. This nocturnal flight underscores the perilous circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth.
Why Egypt? It was a land with a complicated past for God's people. Yet, this ancient enemy territory becomes a cradle for the Savior.
Joseph's flight to Egypt is more than just finding a safe haven; it's a pivotal moment fulfilling ancient prophecy.
A Place of Safety
Egypt, being a Roman province and not under Herod's direct rule, offered a strategic refuge. It was geographically close, allowing for a relatively quick escape, and had a significant Jewish population, which likely provided a supportive community for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.
Ask a follow-up
Echoes of the Past
The choice of Egypt is deeply symbolic. Centuries earlier, the Israelites had been enslaved there. Now, God calls His Son, Jesus, to find refuge in the same land. This fulfills Hosea 11:1, 'Out of Egypt I called my son.' Matthew intentionally connects Jesus' story to Israel's history, showing Jesus as the ultimate 'son' of God, recapitulating and fulfilling Israel's journey in a profound way.
The way the Bible describes Joseph's actions reveals a deep respect and attentiveness to Jesus and Mary.
Matthew’s phrasing in describing Joseph’s actions points to his role as a protector and caregiver.
Reverent Language
Instead of saying Joseph took 'his wife and child,' Matthew records that he took 'the young Child and his mother.' This subtle shift in language emphasizes Jesus' preeminence and hints that Joseph's role was primarily that of guardian, appointed by God.
Gentle Protection
This tender care was enacted through immediate obedience and a discreet escape. Joseph’s quiet, determined actions ensured the safety of both Mary and the infant Jesus from Herod’s deadly ambitions. It paints a picture of Joseph as a man of quiet strength and deep devotion, committed to fulfilling his God-given responsibility.
The flight to Egypt was a desperate act of survival, echoing ancient Israel's own journey out of Egyptian bondage. This time, however, Egypt served as a refuge for the Messiah himself, highlighting God's power to turn former places of oppression into places of safety, and demonstrating how God's purposes unfold even amidst human cruelty and political intrigue.
c. 732 BC
Assyrian Empire Expansion
The powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire begins its major expansion, eventually conquering vast territories and influencing the political landscape of the ancient Near East.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon begins deporting Jewish elites and skilled workers to Babylon, marking the start of the Babylonian exile and a period of significant upheaval for Judah.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar II destroy Jerusalem and its First Temple, leading to a second, larger deportation of Jews and the end of the Davidic monarchy for centuries.
c. 30 BC - 6 BC
Herod the Great's Reign
Herod the Great, an Idumean client king of Rome, rules Judea. Known for his building projects and political maneuvering, his reign is marked by instability and suspicion, particularly towards potential rivals to his throne.
c. 6 BC - 4 BC— this verse
Magi Visit and Herod's Decree
Wise men from the East visit Jerusalem inquiring about the newborn King of the Jews, prompting King Herod to interrogate his scholars and then issue a decree to kill all male children in Bethlehem and its vicinity, fearing for his throne.
c. 4 BC
Herod the Great's Death
King Herod the Great dies shortly after the Massacre of the Innocents. His death brings an end to his oppressive rule and allows Joseph and Mary to eventually consider returning to Judea.
This passage is directly quoted in Matthew 2:15, highlighting how Jesus' flight to Egypt parallels God's calling of Israel out of Egypt, emphasizing the deep historical and theological connections.
Exodus 4:22-23This earlier passage, also concerning Israel's Exodus from Egypt, is referenced as the primary fulfillment of Hosea's prophecy, showing how Jesus' experience in Egypt is a fulfillment of a pattern established with God's 'firstborn son,' Israel.
Matthew 2:19-20These verses show the angel of the Lord speaking to Joseph again, indicating it's time to return from Egypt, mirroring the divine guidance received for the flight into Egypt and demonstrating God's ongoing protection and direction.
Luke 2:39This verse shows Mary and Joseph returning to Nazareth after fulfilling the requirements of the Law, suggesting a return journey similar in its secretive and divinely guided nature to their flight into Egypt.
bensonMatthew 2:14: "When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:"
Matthew 2:14-15 . When he arose — Viz., from his bed, he took the young child, &c. — He immediately obeyed the heavenly vision, and departed into Egypt — With as hasty a flight as their circumstances would allow. And was there until the death of Herod — Which happened a few months after. That it might be fulfilled — That is, fulfilled again, which was spoken by the prophet — Viz., Hosea, on…
barnesMatthew 2:14: "When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:"
When he arose - Having arisen; that is, he arose immediately after awaking from his dream, and prepared at once to obey the command, By night - Thus he showed his prompt obedience to the command, and at the same time so concealed his departure as to render himself and Mary and the child safe from pursuit.
The verse subtly emphasizes the reverent way Joseph refers to Jesus and Mary—"the young child and his mother." This isn't casual phrasing; it highlights Joseph's deep respect for their divine roles, treating them not just as his family, but as sacred figures under his divine protection.
Joseph, having been warned in a dream to flee Herod's murderous intent, immediately takes the young child Jesus and his mother Mary. They depart under the cover of night, seeking refuge in Egypt, a land with a complex history for their people. This urgent flight is prompted by the brutal decree of King Herod, who is now desperately trying to eliminate the newborn king he heard about from the wise men.
Joseph, having been warned in a dream to flee Herod's murderous intent, immediately takes the young child Jesus and his mother Mary. They depart under the cover of night, seeking refuge in Egypt, a land with a complex history for their people. This urgent flight is prompted by the brutal decree of King Herod, who is now desperately trying to eliminate the newborn king he heard about from the wise men.
"And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt" — The verse subtly emphasizes the reverent way Joseph refers to Jesus and Mary—"the young child and his mother." This isn't casual phrasing; it highlights Joseph's deep respect for their divine roles,…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026