What does Matthew 2:12 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 2:12 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible details a divine intervention where the wise men, also known as the Magi, are warned in a dream by God not to go back to King Herod after they had visited the baby Jesus.

Herod had previously asked them to inform him of Jesus' location under the pretext of wanting to worship him, but his actual intent was to kill the child, whom he saw as a threat to his rule.

God’s warning led the Magi to choose a different route to return to their country, thus avoiding Herod and failing to report back to him the location of Jesus.

This verse speaks to a literal event where the Magi are divinely guided, and it also symbolizes the importance of being attentive and obedient to divine guidance, even when it requires changing one's plans or going against a ruler's wishes.

Historical Context

The verse is set shortly after the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

Historical context reveals that during this time, Judea was a Roman province ruled by Herod the Great.

Herod was known for his brutal reign and his concern over the potential rise of a new "king of the Jews," which was prophesied in Jewish scripture.

The visit of the Magi, who were likely Zoroastrian priests from Persia, signifies the interest in and recognition of the significance of Jesus’ birth not only among the Jews but also among Gentile scholars.

The dream they received to alter their journey reflects the biblical theme of God's intervention in human affairs.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse demonstrates God's sovereignty and protection over Jesus from the very beginning of his life on Earth. It also shows the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about his birth and the divine plan for salvation.

Some theologians view the Magi’s obedience to the dream as an act of faith and discernment, suggesting that God communicates through dreams and expects His guidance to be heeded.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as an example of the importance of being attentive and responsive to divine guidance. In daily life, believers may understand from this that it is sometimes necessary to go against human authority and conventional wisdom when guided by spiritual insight.

This implies a commitment to ethical decision-making and seeking divine direction through prayer and meditation.

Cross-References

• Matthew 2:8: "And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also."
• Matthew 2:13: "And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."
• Exodus 1:17: "But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text for this verse are:

• "χρηματισθέντες" (chrematisthentes): Often translated as "being warned," this Greek verb implies a divine or supernatural revelation.
• "κατ’ ὄναρ" (kat’ onar): This phrase means "in a dream," indicating the method of divine communication used.
• "δι’ ἄλλης ὁδοῦ" (di’ alles hodos): Translated "another way," it signifies a change of path or direction, both literally and figuratively.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Dreams as means of divine communication are common in many ancient religious and cultural narratives.

The Magi’s dream in Matthew 2:12 can be compared to other ancient myths where gods communicate through dreams, such as those found in Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian stories.

The tale also aligns with the broader Judeo-Christian tradition where dreams serve as a medium for divine revelation (as seen in the stories of Joseph in Genesis).

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science tends to view dreams as a product of the subconscious mind processing thoughts and experiences.

While the scientific community generally does not attribute supernatural sources to dreams, the study of dreams (oneirology) acknowledges that they can be significant to individuals in making decisions and solving problems, reflecting a psychological parallel to the biblical narrative's value placed on dreams as guidance.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries provide different interpretations and insights on Matthew 2:12:

• The Matthew Henry Commentary highlights the providence of God in directing the wise men not only to Christ but also away from Herod.
• The Pulpit Commentary observes that the wise men's departure to their own country by another route shows their obedience to God despite the risks involved.
• The MacArthur Study Bible notes that God's use of a dream to instruct the Magi is consistent with His pattern of using dreams to guide His people during biblical times.

These interpretations all recognize the significance of divine guidance and protection found in this verse and its importance in the narrative of Jesus’ early life and the broader Gospel story.