Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Matthew 2:20

Ἐγερθεὶς … Ἰσραήλ : it is expressed in the same terms as those of the message directing flight to Egypt, except of course that the land is different, and the order not flee but return. “Arise, take the child and His mother.” The words were as a refrain in the life of Joseph in those critical months. τεθνήκασι γὰρ : in this general manner is the death of Herod referred to, as if in studious avoidance of the dreaded name. They are dead. The plural here (οἱ ζητοῦντες), as often, expresses a general idea, a class, though only a single person is meant (vide Winer, § 27, 2, and Exodus 4:19). But the manner of expression may indicate a desire to dissipate completely Joseph's apprehensions. There is nothing, no person to fear: go! Matthew 2:21. ὁ δὲ ἐγερθεὶς … Ἰσραήλ : prompt obedience follows, but νυκτός (Matthew 2:14) is omitted this time. Joseph may wait till day; the matter is not so urgent. Then the word was φεῦγε. It was a flight for life, every hour or minute important.

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Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Matthew 2:20

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