Why does Matthew 2:23 cite a prophecy not found anywhere in the Hebrew Scriptures, claiming “He shall be called a Nazarene”?

Historical and Linguistic Background

Matthew 2:23 reads: “And He went and lived in a city called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophets: ‘He will be called a Nazarene.’” One immediate challenge arises because there is no single Old Testament verse explicitly stating, “He will be called a Nazarene.” This raises questions about how Matthew arrived at this particular expression and what prophecy, or prophecies, he was referencing.

Nazareth was a small community in Galilee, often overshadowed by larger, more prominent cities. Archaeological excavations in the region have uncovered first-century foundations, agricultural terraces, and household pottery suggesting a modest, agrarian settlement. The historian Flavius Josephus does not explicitly mention Nazareth, and some skeptics once argued this indicated the town did not exist then. However, later discoveries (including first-century tombs and dwelling sites unearthed in the vicinity) affirm Nazareth’s existence during that period. This historical context contributes to understanding how Nazareth might not have held the same prominence as Jerusalem or Bethlehem, yet it was recognized locally.

Composite Prophetic Allusion

Matthew’s reference appears to combine prophetic themes rather than quote a single verse. The text plainly says “what was spoken through the prophets” (plural), implying a broader summary of Old Testament expectations rather than a direct quote from a single prophet:

• In Isaiah 11:1, the Messiah is poetically described as a “shoot” (Hebrew netzer) from the stump of Jesse. The word netzer (“branch” or “shoot”) bears a close resemblance to “Nazarene” in Greek (Nazōraios).

• Various prophets spoke of the coming Messiah as one who would be despised or of low esteem (e.g., Psalm 22; Isaiah 53). This description fits believers’ understanding that the Messiah, hailing from a small and humble town, would be disregarded by many.

By using “He shall be called a Nazarene,” Matthew could be alluding to the theme that the Messiah would grow from Jesse’s lineage (the “branch” motif) and be looked upon as scornful or lowly, reflecting multiple Old Testament strains of prophecy.

Connection to “Netzer” in Isaiah

A central line of thought connects “Nazarene” to the “netzer” of Isaiah 11:1. The Hebrew netzer means “branch” or “shoot,” and early followers of Jesus, who recognized Him as that royal “Branch,” observed a linguistic connection between “Nazareth” and netzer. While not conclusive solely on phonetics, the similarity has been cited by early church writers and remains a strong possibility behind Matthew’s phrasing.

Messianic Expectation and “Despised Origins”

A continuing thread in the prophets describes the Messiah as coming from a modest place, subject to contempt. For example:

• Isaiah 53:3 proclaims: “He was despised and rejected by men...”

• Psalm 22:6–7 anticipates disfavor and ridicule.

Nazareth, being an unremarkable village, fit the notion that the Messiah would be disdained by those who expected a regal figure splendidly emerging from Jerusalem’s royal courts. Thus, the statement “He shall be called a Nazarene” can serve as a shorthand for “He shall be despised,” synthesizing what “the prophets” spoke about the Messiah’s humility and the scorn He would endure.

Possibility of an Oral Prophecy or Non-Canonical Source

In biblical times, the words of prophets were not always recorded solely in the collections we possess as canonical Scripture. Some prophecies may have circulated orally or in additional writings not preserved. This scenario is seen in other New Testament excerpts, such as Jude referencing the prophecy of Enoch (Jude 1:14–15), which is not found in the Hebrew Scriptures but was extant in other Jewish sources. The Holy Spirit can guide authors to cite prophecies that reflect the essential truth from God’s message, whether they are preserved in our present Hebrew canon or provided through other genuine prophetic traditions.

Matthew’s Use of Fulfillment Language

Matthew frequently employs fulfillment language to highlight how events in Jesus’s life align with multiple Old Testament foretellings. For example, Matthew 1:22–23 cites Isaiah’s prophecy of the virgin birth, and Matthew 2:15 cites Hosea’s “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” While Matthew’s citations often match known Old Testament passages, he occasionally summarizes broader prophetic themes rather than quoting a single verse. The reference to Nazareth in Matthew 2:23 fits that pattern—uniting Isaiah’s “branch” motif and the wider concept of a humble, ridiculed Messiah seen across the prophets.

Archaeological and Manuscript Corroboration

Despite initial skepticism among certain scholars, archaeological work has affirmed the first-century presence of Nazareth, consistent with the gospel accounts. Manuscript evidence for Matthew’s Gospel is also robust. Early fragments like the Magdalen Papyrus (P64), dating to possibly the late 2nd century, highlight the Gospel’s antiquity, and the large number of Greek manuscripts (supported by other versions like Syriac and Latin) confirms the stability of Matthew’s text. This breadth of manuscript evidence supports confidence in the integrity of Matthew’s words, including his reference to “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

The Broader Significance: Messiah’s Identity

By associating Jesus with the small town of Nazareth, Matthew underscores how the Messiah’s identity fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, even when those prophecies did not refer directly to the specific village name but to the concept of a branch and a humble, despised upbringing. This echoes the overarching biblical narrative of a Redeemer who comes in humble circumstances to bring salvation.

Summary Highlights

• Matthew 2:23 does not quote a single Old Testament verse verbatim but draws upon multiple prophets.

• Isaiah 11:1’s netzer (“branch”) offers a wordplay that connects with “Nazarene.”

• Prophetic themes describe the Messiah as lowly and despised, harmonizing with Nazareth’s obscurity.

• Possible oral or non-canonical prophecy could also account for Matthew’s statement.

• Archaeological excavations and the manuscript evidence for Matthew attest to the historical and textual credibility of this reference.

• This fulfillment motif reaffirms the wider claim that Jesus is the Messiah foretold throughout Scripture, consistent with the pattern of prophets pointing to a humble yet divinely appointed Redeemer.

In conclusion, the citation in Matthew 2:23 serves as a thematic summary of multiple prophetic strands. These strands converge in the person of Jesus—the “branch” from Jesse who would be both King and Servant, exalted yet disregarded by the world. The Gospel writer encapsulates these truths by connecting Messiah to “Nazareth,” reinforcing Christ’s identity as the promised one who fulfills the prophets’ portrayal of a humble, despised, yet ultimately victorious Redeemer.