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Matthew 2:12

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 2:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And being warned [of God] in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.
12And being warned [of God] in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
13Now when they were departed, behold, an 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 tell thee: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt;
15and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt did I call my son.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Being warned of God in a dream, etc.] It is likely they made a short stay at Bethlehem, might lodge there a night; at least laid themselves down a while to take some refreshment in sleep, after they had paid their respects to him that was born king of the Jews, and performed the whole business they came about; when in a dream they received a divine oracle, were admonished and counselled by God, that they should not return to Herod: which would have been going back again, and out of their way; there being a nearer one from Bethlehem to their own country, than to go by Jerusalem, though Herod had charged them to return to him. Whether they had promised him they would, is not certain; it is…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed--or, "withdrew." to their own country another way--What a surprise would this vision be to the sages, just as they were preparing to carry the glad news of what they had seen to the pious king! But the Lord knew the bloody old tyrant better than to let him see their face again.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Warned of God - This was done, doubtless, because, if they had given Herod precise information where he was, it would have been easy for him to send forth and kill him. And from this we learn that God will watch over those whom He loves; that He knows how to foil the purposes of the wicked, and to deliver His own out of the hands of those who would destroy them. In a dream - See the note at Matthew 1:20. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“warned: Mat 2:22, Mat 1:20, Mat 27:19; Gen 20:6, Gen 20:7, Gen 31:24; Job 33:15-17; Dan 2:19 they departed: Exo 1:17; Act 4:19, Act 5:29; Co1 3:19 Matthew 2:13”
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Related study paths

Read Matthew 2 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification