Matthew (Written)

Pencil plant.

Saturday, 24 August 2024

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2:23

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And having come, he dwelt in a city being called Nazareth, that it should be fulfilled  the ‘having been spoken’ through the prophets, that a Nazarene He will be called” (CG).

In the previous verse, Joseph was warned in a dream concerning where to live in the land of Israel, noting that he withdrew to the allotments of Galilee. Now, Matthew records, “And having come, he dwelt in a city being called Nazareth.”

Albert Barnes gives a brief description of Nazareth at the time of Jesus –

“This was a small town, situated in Galilee, west of Capernaum, and not far from Cana. It was built partly in a valley and partly on the declivity of a hill, Luke 4:29. A hill is yet pointed out, to the south of Nazareth, as the one from which the people of the place attempted to precipitate the Saviour. It was a place, at that time, proverbial for wickedness, John 4:46.”

Modern Nazareth is described in Wikipedia –

It “is the largest city in the Northern District of Israel. In 2022 its population was 78,007. Known as “the Arab capital of Israel”, Nazareth serves as a cultural, political, religious, economic and commercial center for the Arab citizens of Israel, as well as a center of Arab and Palestinian nationalism. The inhabitants are predominantly Arab citizens of Israel, of whom 69% are Muslim and 30.9% Christian. The city also commands immense religious significance, deriving from its status as the hometown of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity and a prophet in Islam.”

Next, based on where Joseph decided to settle, Matthew records, “that it should be fulfilled having been spoken through the prophets.”

Here, Matthew notes the plural, prophets. Therefore, unlike almost every translation, the following words are not a quote. In fact, citing it as a quote causes a false sense of the words in the minds of readers, and it sets up a real, seemingly insurmountable, problem. Rather, something was fulfilled concerning Jesus, but it is not a specific prophecy, which is “that a Nazarene He will be called.”

The word hoti (that) continues to show that this is not a quote. If it was a quote, he would have said something like Matthew 1:22, “which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying…”

However, because it is supposed by many to be a quote, innumerable commentaries have been made trying to justify the name and specify what is being quoted. In other words, and to understand some of the attempts to justify the name as being connected to the Old Testament, the Pulpit Commentary says –

“First, it may be said Nazarene cannot = Nazarite: the word differs in form, and in no sense could Christ be called a Nazarite. Secondly, the quotation is probably not from a lost prophecy. One meaning of the word Nazoræus is an inhabitant of Nazareth, but the word either (1) recalls the Hebrew word netser a Branch, a title by which the Messiah is designated Isaiah 11:1, or (2) connects itself in thought with the Hebr. natsar, to save or protect (see above), and so has reference to the name and work of Jesus, or (3) is a synonym for “contemptible” or “lowly,” from the despised position of Nazareth. Of these (3) is perhaps the least probable explanation. The play upon words which (1) and (2) involve is quite characteristic of Hebrew phraseology. The sound of the original would be either (1) He whom the prophet called the “Netser” dwells at “Netser”—(for this form of Nazareth see Smith’s Bib. Dict.), or (2) He who is called “Notsri” (my protector) dwells at “Natsaret” (the protectress).”

Such commentaries have completely missed the point of what is being conveyed. Because this is not a quote, the place Nazareth and the name Nazarene do not need to be discovered in a prophecy from the Old Testament. Rather, one such reference to what Matthew is saying is:

“Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed,
As when at first He lightly esteemed
The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
And afterward more heavily oppressed her,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
In Galilee of the Gentiles.
² The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.” Isaiah 9:1, 2

Nazareth is a town located within Naphtali. This is in the greater region of Galilee. In other words, Matthew wasn’t citing Scripture in a quote, as translations imply (quote marks, etc.). Rather, he was making a point about the writings of Old Testament prophets, such as Isaiah 9:2. Isaiah is saying the light is Christ, being called a Nazarene is a fulfillment of this prophecy.

One can think of it this way. If a prophecy noted someone would be a noted surfer in Sarasota, and he was actually living on Siesta Key, they may say, “He will be called a Siesta Surfer.” As Siesta Key is a part of Sarasota, the prophecy would make complete sense to those who understood it.

This explains why the word hoti, that, is included in Matthew’s words. If he was citing a prophecy, the word would not be needed. But it is an explanatory preposition. If Joseph had moved to Tiberius instead of Nazareth, the words of Matthew would still speak of the fulfillment of the words of the prophets. For example –

“…that it should be fulfilled having been spoken through the prophets, that a Tiberian He will be called.”

As for the other prophets that Matthew was referring to, there are enough references to the area of greater Galilee to form many pictures of the coming Christ. For example, the selection of Hiram, the son of a widow from Naphtali, to accomplish the building of the temple for Solomon provides pictures of the coming Christ (see 1 Kings 7).

Specificity is not necessary in pinpointing a single reference to the name Nazareth, and all of the unnecessary attempts to find a suitable Hebrew word to justify this inclusion by Matthew have proven meritless.

Life application: Speaking of Nazareth and Nazarenes, there is a modern couple, Nazarenes, who have helped bring the land of Israel to the attention of innumerable people. If you enjoy travel and life videos concerning Israel, including modern Nazareth, you can go to YouTube and search for Sergio and Rhoda in Israel.

These two intrepid trekkers have traveled throughout the country, meeting with archaeologists, travelers, and common folk to highlight the great variety of all types of life in the land. Take time to visit their channel and learn to experience Israel in unique and interesting ways that will inform you about this land selected by God to reveal to us the Messiah of the world, Jesus Christ.

Lord God, thank You for Your precious word that tells us about Your interactions with humanity in and around the land of Israel. Thank You for the innumerable examples of life, rebellion, restoration, intimate fellowship, and so much more that teach us how we can fully understand and appreciate who You are and what You have done for us. Thank You for Your wonderful word. Amen.

The Matthew 2 translation can be found at these to links:

Matthew 2 (CG)

1 And Jesus, having been born in Bethlehem Judea, in days Herod the king: Behold, magicians from sunrisings – they came unto Jerusalem. ² Saying, “Where is He having been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the sunrising, and we came to worship Him.”

³ And Herod the king, having heard, he was agitated, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ And having convened all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ is born. ⁵ And they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus has it been written through the prophet:

⁶ ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,

Are not-at-all least in the governors of Judah.

For out of you will come forth – ruling,

Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

⁷ Then Herod, having called the magicians secretly, exacted of them the time of the appearing star. And having sent them to Bethlehem, he said, ⁸ “Having gone, exactingly inquire about the Child. And when you should find, report to me so I also, having come, may worship Him.”

⁹ And they, having heard the king, departed. And behold! The star that they saw in the sunrising, preceded them, until, having arrived, it stood above where the Child was. ¹⁰ And having seen the star, they rejoiced – joy exceedingly great. ¹¹ And having come into the house, they found the Child with Mary His mother. And having fallen, they worshipped Him. And having opened their treasures, they offered Him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

¹² “And having been admonished in a dream not to return to Herod, through another way, they withdrew into their country.”

¹³ “And they having withdrawn, behold, a messenger of the Lord – he appears in a dream of Joseph, saying, ‘Having arisen, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt. And you are there until if I should tell you. For Herod is about to seek the Child to destroy Him.’”

¹⁴ And having arisen, he took the Child and His mother – night, and withdrew to Egypt. ¹⁵ And he was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled, having been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt, I called my Son.”

¹⁶ Then Herod, having seen that he was mocked by the magicians, was exceedingly en raged and, having sent, he killed all the boys in Bethlehem and in all her borders, from two years and under, according to the time which he exacted from the magicians. ¹⁷ Then it was fulfilled that having been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying:

¹⁸ “A voice – it was heard in Ramah,

Lamentation, and a wailing, and a mourning – great.

Rachel sobbing – her children.

And she would not be comforted,

For they are not”

¹⁹ And Herod having died, behold, a messenger of the Lord in a dream appears to Joseph in Egypt, ²⁰ saying, “Having arisen, take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for they have died – those seeking the soul of the Child.” ²¹ And having arisen, he took the Child and His mother and came to the land of Israel.

²² And having heard that Archelaus reigns over Judea instead of Herod his father, he feared to go there. And having been admonished in a dream, he withdrew to the allotments of Galilee. ²³ And having come, he dwelt in a city being called Nazareth, that it should be fulfilled having been spoken through the prophets, that a Nazarene He will be called.

Coconut tree.

Friday, 23 August 2024

But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. Matthew 2:22

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And having heard that Archelaus reigns over Judea instead of Herod his father, he feared to go there. And having been admonished in a dream, he withdrew to the allotments of Galilee” (CG).

In the previous verse, it noted that Joseph took the Child and His mother and came into the land of Israel. Matthew next records, “And having heard that Archelaus reigns.”

Concerning what caliber of person Archelaus was, Albert Barnes notes –

“Archelaus possessed a cruel and tyrannical disposition similar to his father. At one of the Passovers he caused 3,000 of the people to be put to death in the temple and city. For his crimes, after he had reigned 9 years, he was banished by Augustus, the Roman emperor, to Gaul, where he died.”

With this Archelaus ruling in place of his father, Matthew next records that his reign was “over Judea instead of Herod his father.”

Charles Ellicott records this concerning Archelaus’ rule –

“Strictly speaking, this prince, who, under his father’s will (made just before his death), governed Judæa, Samaria, and Idumæa, was never recognised as a king by the Roman Emperor, but received the inferior title of Ethnarch. Antipas had Galilee and Peræa, Philip the region of Trachonitis. Popularly, however, the higher title was still used of him as we find it in 14:9 of the Tetrarch Antipas.”

Because this terrible successor to his father had begun to rule over the same place that Joseph had left from, “he feared to go there.”

This only makes sense. If his father had wanted to kill the children of Bethlehem, and if even a breath of the presence of Jesus, Joseph, and Mary had been made known to him, it is possible that the same knowledge was handed to Archelaus to be mindful of. If so, then if a report came back that they had returned to Bethlehem, it could only speak of further trouble for Joseph and his family.

Thus his fear was understandable in some ways. Therefore, another divine visitation is recorded, saying, “And having been admonished in a dream.”

This is now the fourth visitation in a dream received by Joseph. The Lord is directing his steps to ensure that Jesus will be properly tended to. God had spoken of the coming of the Messiah since the fall of man. His word is filled with information concerning His coming, and those prophetic utterances were being fulfilled with each new detail that is being recorded in the gospel, which includes the next movement of the family. Matthew records the words, saying, “he withdrew to the allotments of Galilee.”

The word translated as “allotments” is meros. It has a variety of possible translations based on the context. It is derived from a word signifying “to get as a section or allotment” (Strong’s). The idea is that there is an overall area known as Galilee. Within that area, the various portions of land are allotted to be under the authority of whoever leads this greater area known as Galilee. That is then explained in Luke 23 –

“When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked if the Man were a Galilean. ⁷ And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. ⁸ Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him.” Luke 23:6-8

As Jesus will grow up in Nazareth, and as Nazareth is an allotment of Galilee, more prophecy will be fulfilled in this move. That will be seen in the next verse and in more verses ahead as Matthew unfolds.

Life application: In this verse, it said that Joseph feared to go to Judea because of the new ruler of that area. Fear is not uncommon, and it affects us all to some degree and in a wide variety of ways. However, there are things to fear – such as a baseball coming directly at your head – that are to then be avoided. For the Christian, however, there are other things that we truly should not fear, such as death.

That may sound contradictory. A baseball about to hit our head can lead to death, and yet we fear it and avoid it. This is natural, and nobody in their right mind would stand there and say, “I have no fear of this baseball hitting me in the face.”

However, some people live their lives consumed with the thought of death, as if there is some way they can think to avoid it. This is not a good mental state for anyone, but how much more for the Christian who says he truly believes Jesus prevailed over death?

Joseph’s immediate fear may have been understandable, but for the sake of the whole unfolding scenario, there was no need for it at all. God had selected him to be the human father figure for Jesus, the Messiah. He had already directed them several times, and the word assured Joseph that the Messiah would accomplish so many things. Therefore, instead of fearing, he should have been talking to the Lord, asking for direction, and understanding that God’s plan could not be thwarted.

We, too, should have this attitude. Whether we like it or not, unless Jesus comes first, we are all going to die. And we have no idea at all when or how that will occur. But God has made promises concerning our eternal destiny and that plan cannot be thwarted. And so, we can (and should) try to avoid disasters like a baseball to the head while at the same time not fearing the inevitable death that we all must face.

Let us handle our days reasonably, live our lives well for the Lord, and submit ourselves to him through life and in death. Let us not be people of fear –

“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. ¹⁹ We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:17-19

Lord God, we know that Your word has sure and reliable promises for Your people that extend beyond death itself. And so, we commit ourselves to You, knowing that our days are set and that when they end, You will bring us to Yourself. We stand unafraid of what lies ahead because Jesus has gone before us. Thank You for this reassurance. Amen.

Bromeliad.

Thursday, 22 August 2024

Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. Matthew 2:21

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And having arisen, he took the Child and His mother and came to the land of Israel” (CG).

In the previous verse, the messenger of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream. His words were, “Having arisen, take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel.” Now, in exacting obedience to that word, it next says, “And having arisen, he took the Child and His mother.”

As in the previous verse, the verbs are in the singular. Joseph was given the instruction, and he followed through with it as spoken. Matthew continues to place the Child before His mother in the narrative as well.

From this point, Mary will not be mentioned again in Matthew until near the end of Chapter 12, when she is included in a general statement about “His mother and brothers.” She will not be mentioned by name until the end of Chapter 13 in another general statement, saying, “Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary?”

At the same time, Jesus will be mentioned by name over forty times by then. He will be indirectly or directly referred to many more times as well. Above all else, the entire biblical narrative, from Matthew 1:1 forward is completely focused on Jesus.

As for the minimal references to Mary, this is consistently the case throughout the four gospels. In Acts, she will be mentioned once along with other women. There is no additional importance placed on Mary. Rather the narrative is focused on Jesus. In fact, apart from the birth and infancy narratives, it may be that a comparable amount of detail is given concerning two women named Mary in the gospels other than Jesus’ mother.

With Joseph’s arising and gathering Jesus and His mother, it next says, “and came to the land of Israel.”

Just as he was instructed, so he accomplished. It can be inferred from the coming verses that he probably intended to go back to Bethlehem. However, that will not be where they will wind up.

Life application: Hebrews 12:2 has clear words for us. There, it says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…” (BSB). There are many reasons for this that we could consider. Jesus is God incarnate. As such, He is our Creator (see Colossians 1:16, etc.). Jesus gave His life so that we could have restoration with God, forgiveness of sins, and so forth.

By looking to Jesus, we will not be looking elsewhere. Thus, we will avoid idolatry, immorality, etc. By looking to Jesus, we will be thinking about Jesus and all that He means to us. When actively looking, our mental attention is also actively directed at what we are looking at. Thus, we will be thinking about the Source of all goodness, righteousness, and so on.

When Scripture is rightly considered in its proper context, the admonition to keep our eyes on Jesus will keep us from theological error. For example, by considering Mary in relation to Jesus, right from Scripture, we can see the grossly exaggerated, unbiblical stand of the Roman Catholic Church, which places a high stress on Mary.

Because of this, their theology is flawed in relation to Jesus. The importance of the cross is diminished. The importance of prayer to and through Jesus is obliterated. The importance of the return of Christ is obfuscated. Even our understanding of Israel and its importance in the future is diminished.

Let us be wise and obedient to the word. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus!

Glorious Lord God, Your word has instructed us to fix our eyes on Jesus. How often has it been said that if our attention to Jesus is too great, we are not giving honor to You? And yet, if Jesus is God, how can we honor You if we do not fix our eyes on Him? Help us to think clearly and to understand that You are in the Son, and the Son is in You. There is no favoritism in the Godhead. But You are One. May we understand this and be obedient to Your word. Amen.

Big bromeliad.

Wednesday, 21 August 2024

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.” Matthew 2:20

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“saying, ‘Having arisen, take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for they have died – those seeking the soul of the Child’” (CG).

In the previous verse, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream while he was in Egypt. This occurred after the death of Herod. In the appearance, he was “saying, ‘Having arisen, take the Child and His mother.’”

The words are addressed in the second person singular. Rather than, “All of you arise and go,” the angel is speaking to Joseph about what he is to do. Once he is up and about, he is to take the Child and His mother. As in verse 13, the focus is on the Child, while Mary is of secondary attention. Understanding this, the narrative continues with, “and go to the land of Israel.”

In verse 13, Joseph had been told to flee to Egypt. Now, he is told to go to the land of Israel. There is no rush or urgency in the words, something that must have been quite reassuring to Joseph. He bore a great responsibility, and he would have probably been quite happy in receiving these words. From there, the angel continues with, “for they have died – those seeking the soul of the Child.”

The words bring about a lot of curious speculation. First, note the differences between verse 13 and verse 20 –

“Having arisen, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt. And you are there until if I should tell you. For Herod is about to seek the Child to destroy Him.”

“Having arisen, take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for they have died – those seeking the soul of the Child.”

It was Herod who intended to kill the Child. But now, the angel speaks of “those” who sought to destroy Him. There are several views on what the words are saying –

“The plural is very often used where the conception of a species is to be expressed, and then denotes the subject, not according to number, but chiefly according to the category to which it belongs.” Meyers NT Commentary

That is supported by the words of Bengel, saying, “The plural concisely signifies, that Herod is dead, and that there are not any others who entertain evil designs.”

Cambridge says it is a euphemism, the reference being Herod alone. Barnes concurs and adds a second possibility. He says, “This either refers to Herod alone, as is not uncommon, using the plural number for the singular; or it may refer to Herod and his son Antipater. He was of the same cruel disposition as his father, and was put to death by his father about five days before his own death.”

Numerous others suggest it is given as a parallel to the words of the Lord to Moses in Exodus 4 –

“Now the Lord said to Moses in Midian, ‘Go, return to Egypt; for all the men who sought your life are dead.’” Exodus 4:19

Whichever option is correct, it is a notable statement that Joseph would have understood and accepted.

Life application: In Exodus 2:15, only Pharaoh was noted as seeking to kill Moses. However, the text says “all the men” later in Exodus 4:19. Only speculation can be made as to who any others may have been, and we can’t go inserting things into the Bible to form a conclusion. The same is true with this verse in Matthew.

The possibilities for what is meant have been set forth, and there may be others as well. But each of these is only a possibility and should be noted as such. As seen above, Joseph would have known what the intent was. Even if he didn’t at first, he could have asked, and that part of the conversation was simply not recorded.

The important point to remember is that the story bears all the marks of a literal historical account, and it is detailing to us information about the life of Jesus. Therefore, let us consider it as such and revel in what God has done. He is making marvelous parallels between the calling forth of Israel from the bondage of Egypt and the calling forth of Jesus as well.

Moses and those with him stopped and received the law on the way to Israel. Jesus is being drawn directly back to Israel to fulfill the law that Moses received. In doing so, He will usher in a New Covenant and a new plan and direction for the people of God. Great is the Lord who has done all these things!

Lord God, Your word is a glorious treasure trove of wonder and delight concerning the track of man back to You through the redemptive process that You have set forth. One step at a time, we are being instructed on what You have done and are doing to accomplish that. And it is all centered on Jesus. Thank You for our beautiful Savior, Jesus. Amen.

Staghorn fern.

Tuesday, 20 August 2024

Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Matthew 2:19

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And Herod having died, behold, a messenger of the Lord in a dream appears to Joseph in Egypt” (CG).

In the previous verse, Matthew cited Jeremiah 31:15 concerning the prophecy about Rachel mourning for her children. With that now complete, he next records, “And Herod having died.”

Herod’s death was recorded by Flavius Josephus and others in antiquity. The Expositor’s Greek Testament, citing several sources, says –

“Herod died in 750 U. C. in his 70th year, at Jericho, of a horrible loathsome disease, rotten in body as in soul, altogether an unwholesome man.”

As for the timing, it is debated how long this period was, but most agree it was only a few months after the killing of the children in Bethlehem, though some argue as much as six or seven years. Regardless of the exact time spent there, eventually, Matthew next records, “behold, a messenger of the Lord in a dream appears to Joseph in Egypt.”

This is now the third time a messenger of the Lord has appeared to him. This time, however, it is outside of the land of Canaan. This should not be remarkable as the Lord can appear anywhere and at any time, but it demonstrates that the Lord does, in fact, speak to His people outside of Canaan. This is in contradistinction to some claims over the millennia that the Lord does not do so.

The Bible is filled with such instances, and such ridiculous claims should not ever be entertained. As for the departed Herod, Albert Barnes shares the following –

“Herod left three sons, and the kingdom was at his death divided between them. To Archelaus was given Judea, Idumea, and Samaria; to Philip, Batanea and Trachonitis; to Antipas, Galilee and Perea.

“Each of these was also called Herod, and these are the individuals who are so frequently referred to in the New Testament during the ministry of the Saviour and the labors of the apostles.”

Life application: Translation of Scripture involves more than just conveying words or expressions between languages. It takes careful consideration, consistency, and a watchful eye to ensure that each word or phrase is actually translated. Eyes can skip easily over words or phrases, something quite common when similar words are used within a single verse.

As for consistency, when the context is the same, words should be similarly translated. Otherwise, a false sense of what is being conveyed can come about. However, this is not something that is always possible. There are multiple words that can have similar meanings, and there are many possible meanings for some individual words.

Moreover, when there are translation committees that handle individual portions of Scripture, the biases and preferences of each committee will often show through. It may be that one committee may have a book to translate, but individuals within a committee may be responsible for one or two chapters.

This can lead to real inaccuracies slipping through the cracks. For example, the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary says –

“Our translators, somewhat capriciously, render the same expression ‘the angel of the Lord,’ Mt 1:20; 2:13; and ‘an angel of the Lord,’ as here.”

The exact term in Greek is aggelos kyriou, or “angel Lord.” Notice what JFB is referring to in the KJV –

1:20 – the angel of the Lord
2:13 – the angel of the Lord
2:19 – an angel of the Lord

The first two instances insert a presupposition, “the angel of the Lord.” In the Old Testament, that generally is referring to the Lord. In the third instance, an unnamed angel representing the Lord is signified.

The first two have inserted words without italicizing them to indicate they are not in the original and they are clearly wrong. The KJV is famous for this willy-nilly type of inconsistency in both testaments, and so the reader can be led down incorrect paths of thinking about what the text is saying.

Someone could come to the unfounded conclusion that “the angel of the Lord” appears to Joseph only in the land of Canaan, but then He directs one of His subordinates to appear outside of the land. That would be a ridiculous assumption, but this is what happens when faulty translation occurs.

Be sure to not get caught up in reading one translation and assume it is the only God-inspired translation. Be studious and diligent to check things out before making final conclusions about matters of theology.

Lord God, help us to be wise and studious concerning Your word. It is so very precious, and so may You be with us as we read it, contemplate it, and tell other people things that we have learned from it. Above all, thank You for Jesus our Lord who is the One Scripture is pointing us to. Yes, thank You for our precious Savior, Jesus. Amen.