Matthew 2:20
New International Version
and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

New Living Translation
“Get up!” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.”

English Standard Version
saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”

Berean Standard Bible
“Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, for those seeking the Child’s life are now dead.”

Berean Literal Bible
saying, "Having arisen, take the Child and His mother and go into the land of Israel; for those seeking the life of the Child have died."

King James Bible
Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

New King James Version
saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.”

New American Standard Bible
“Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”

NASB 1995
“Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”

NASB 1977
“Arise and take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”

Legacy Standard Bible
“Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”

Amplified Bible
“Get up! Take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”

Christian Standard Bible
saying, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, because those who intended to kill the child are dead.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
saying, “Get up! Take the child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, because those who sought the child’s life are dead.”

American Standard Version
Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead that sought the young child's life.

Contemporary English Version
The angel said, "Get up and take the child and his mother back to Israel. The people who wanted to kill him are now dead."

English Revised Version
saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead that sought the young child's life.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The angel said to him, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to Israel. Those who tried to kill the child are dead."

Good News Translation
and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and go back to the land of Israel, because those who tried to kill the child are dead."

International Standard Version
"Get up," he said. "Take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead."

Majority Standard Bible
“Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, for those seeking the Child’s life are now dead.”

NET Bible
saying, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead."

New Heart English Bible
"Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child's life are dead."

Webster's Bible Translation
Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead who sought the young child's life.

Weymouth New Testament
"Rise from sleep, and take the child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead."

World English Bible
“Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s life are dead.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
saying, “Having risen, take the Child and His mother, and be going to the land of Israel, for they have died—those seeking the life of the Child.”

Berean Literal Bible
saying, "Having arisen, take the Child and His mother and go into the land of Israel; for those seeking the life of the Child have died."

Young's Literal Translation
saying, 'Having risen, take the child and his mother, and be going to the land of Israel, for they have died -- those seeking the life of the child.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Having risen, take to thyself the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel; for they seeking the soul of the young child have died.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Saying: Arise, and take the child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel. For they are dead that sought the life of the child.

Catholic Public Domain Version
saying: “Rise up, and take the boy and his mother, and go into the land of Israel. For those who were seeking the life of the boy have passed away.”

New American Bible
and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”

New Revised Standard Version
“Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he said to him, Arise, take the boy and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the boy’s life are dead.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he said to him, “Arise, take The Boy and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the Boy's life have died.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
saying: Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel; for they are dead who sought the young child's life.

Godbey New Testament
Having arisen, take with you the young child and His mother, and depart into the land of Israel; for those seeking the life of the young child are dead.

Haweis New Testament
saying, Arise, and take the little boy and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they who sought the life of the infant are dead.

Mace New Testament
saying, arise, take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they who attempted the life of the infant are dead.

Weymouth New Testament
"Rise from sleep, and take the child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead."

Worrell New Testament
"Arising, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the life of the Child are dead."

Worsley New Testament
saying, Arise and take the child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they, that sought the child's life, are dead.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Return to Nazareth
19After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. 20“Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, for those seeking the Child’s life are now dead.” 21So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and went to the land of Israel.…

Cross References
Exodus 4:19
Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who sought to kill you are dead.”

Matthew 1:20-21
But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. / She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

Matthew 2:13
When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.”

Luke 2:10-11
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: / Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!

Acts 5:19-20
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, / “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.”

Genesis 46:3-4
“I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. / I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back. And Joseph’s own hands will close your eyes.”

Hosea 11:1
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.

Revelation 1:17-18
When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, / the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.

Isaiah 11:1
Then a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit.

Jeremiah 31:15-17
This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” / This is what the LORD says: “Keep your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for the reward for your work will come, declares the LORD. Then your children will return from the land of the enemy. / So there is hope for your future, declares the LORD, and your children will return to their own land.

Numbers 14:9
Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!”

1 Kings 19:3
And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.

Luke 1:30-31
So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. / Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus.

John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”


Treasury of Scripture

Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

arise.

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.

Proverbs 3:5,6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…

for.

Exodus 4:19
And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.

1 Kings 11:21,40
And when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the host was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let me depart, that I may go to mine own country…

1 Kings 12:1-3
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king…

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Arise Attempting Child Child's Dead Israel Life Mother Rise Risen Seeking Sleep Sought Trying Young
Matthew 2
1. The wise men from the east enquire after Jesus;
3. at which Herod is alarmed.
9. They are directed by a star to Bethlehem, worship him, and offer their presents.
13. Joseph flees into Egypt with Jesus and his mother.
16. Herod slays the children;
20. himself dies.
23. Jesus is brought back again into Galilee to Nazareth.














saying
The word "saying" introduces a divine message, indicating that what follows is a direct communication from God. In the biblical context, such messages are often delivered by angels or through dreams, as is the case here. This highlights the importance of divine guidance in the life of Joseph and the Holy Family. The Greek word used here is "λέγων" (legōn), which is a participle form of "λέγω" (legō), meaning "to say" or "to speak." This emphasizes the active and ongoing nature of God's communication with His people.

Get up
The phrase "Get up" is a command, urging immediate action. In Greek, the word is "ἐγερθείς" (egerthēis), which is an aorist passive participle of "ἐγείρω" (egeirō), meaning "to rise" or "to awaken." This command signifies a call to readiness and obedience, reflecting the urgency and importance of the divine instruction. It is a reminder that God's timing is perfect, and His commands require prompt and faithful response.

take the Child and His mother
This phrase underscores the protective role of Joseph as the earthly guardian of Jesus and Mary. The Greek words "παράλαβε τὸ παιδίον καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ" (paralabe to paidion kai tēn mētera autou) emphasize the responsibility entrusted to Joseph. The use of "παράλαβε" (paralabe) implies a personal and careful taking or receiving, indicating the preciousness of the Child and His mother. This reflects the divine plan and the sanctity of the family unit in God's redemptive history.

and go to the land of Israel
The instruction to "go to the land of Israel" signifies a return to the Promised Land, a place of covenant and divine promise. The Greek phrase "πορεύου εἰς γῆν Ἰσραήλ" (poreuou eis gēn Israēl) uses "πορεύου" (poreuou), an imperative form of "πορεύομαι" (poreuomai), meaning "to go" or "to travel." This journey back to Israel symbolizes a return to the center of God's salvific work and the fulfillment of prophecy. It is a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His sovereign plan for His people.

for those who were seeking the Child’s life are now dead
This phrase provides the reason for the return, indicating that the threat to Jesus' life has been removed. The Greek "τεθνήκασιν γὰρ οἱ ζητοῦντες τὴν ψυχὴν τοῦ παιδίου" (tethnēkasin gar hoi zētountes tēn psychēn tou paidiou) uses "τεθνήκασιν" (tethnēkasin), a perfect active indicative of "θνῄσκω" (thnēskō), meaning "to die," to indicate the completion of the threat. The phrase "οἱ ζητοῦντες" (hoi zētountes) refers to those actively seeking harm, highlighting the divine protection over Jesus. This assurance of safety allows the Holy Family to return, demonstrating God's providential care and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

(20) They are dead.--The use of the plural is noticeable, as Herod alone had been named. Possibly, however, others may have been implicated in the scheme; or the turn of the phrase may have been suggested to the reporter of the dream by the parallel language of Exodus 4:19, in reference to Moses.

Verse 20. - Saying, Arise, and take the young Child and his mother (so far verbally equivalent to ver. 13). And go into the land. of Israel; any part of the holy and promised land (1 Samuel 13:19; Ezekiel 11:17). For they are dead which sought the young Child's life. The plural is difficult, and is perhaps best explained as an adaptation of the historic parallel of Exodus 4:19.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Get up!”
Ἐγερθεὶς (Egertheis)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1453: (a) I wake, arouse, (b) I raise up. Probably akin to the base of agora; to waken, i.e. Rouse.

he said.
λέγων (legōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“Take
παράλαβε (paralabe)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3880: From para and lambano; to receive near, i.e. Associate with oneself; by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Child
παιδίον (paidion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3813: Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

mother
μητέρα (mētera)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3384: A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

go
πορεύου (poreuou)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4198: To travel, journey, go, die.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] land
γῆν (gēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.

of Israel,
Ἰσραήλ (Israēl)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2474: Of Hebrew origin; Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants.

for
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

those
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

seeking
ζητοῦντες (zētountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Child’s
παιδίου (paidiou)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3813: Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian.

life
ψυχὴν (psychēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5590: From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.

are now dead.”
τεθνήκασιν (tethnēkasin)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2348: To die, be dying, be dead. A strengthened form of a simpler primary thano than'-o; to die.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 2:20 Arise and take the young child (Matt. Mat Mt)
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