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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"><title>Was baby Jesus' life threatened in Jerusalem, prompting Joseph to flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-23), or did the family calmly present him at the temple and return to Galilee (Luke 2:21-40)?</title><link rel="stylesheet" href="/chapnew2.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="spec.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="../cmenus/matthew/2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmq/matthew/2-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="http://biblehub.com">Bible</a> > <a href="index.html">Questions</a> > Home</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/berean/menu.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="where_was_jesus_3_days_post-baptism.htm" title="Where was Jesus 3 days post-baptism?">◄</a> Did Jesus flee to Egypt or return to Galilee? <a href="disciples'_reaction_to_jesus_walking_on_water.htm" title="Disciples' reaction to Jesus walking on water?">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="chap"><div class="vheading">Was baby Jesus' life threatened in Jerusalem, prompting Joseph to flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-23), or did the family calmly present him at the temple and return to Galilee (Luke 2:21-40)?</div><p class="que"><b>Historical Context and Scriptural Overview</b><p>From the biblical record, two main passages describe the infancy of Jesus: <a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Matthew 2:13-23</a> and <a href="/luke/2-21.htm">Luke 2:21-40</a>. At first glance, readers may wonder if these passages contradict each other-one depicting a threat to Jesus’ life, the other describing a calm presentation at the temple. A careful examination of both texts, alongside historical and cultural background, clarifies how they interrelate without contradiction.<p><hr><p><b>Matthew’s Account: The Flight to Egypt</b><p><a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Matthew 2:13</a> states, “When the magi had left, 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.’”<p>1. <b>Timing of the Threat</b>: Matthew presents circumstances after the visit of the Magi (often translated as “wise men”). This visit, based on Herod’s questioning of the Magi in <a href="/matthew/2-7.htm">Matthew 2:7-16</a>, may have taken place weeks or even months after Jesus’ birth. Herod, known historically for his paranoia and brutal measures against perceived threats (as even the Jewish historian Josephus documents in Antiquities of the Jews, Book XVII), reacted violently upon hearing of a possible new “King of the Jews.”<p>2. <b>Joseph’s Response</b>: <a href="/matthew/2-14.htm">Matthew 2:14-15</a> records that Joseph immediately obeyed the angel’s warning, fleeing under the cover of night. The Holy Family’s sojourn in Egypt fulfilled the prophecy quoted in <a href="/matthew/2-15.htm">Matthew 2:15</a>, “Out of Egypt I called My Son,” pointing back to <a href="/hosea/11-1.htm">Hosea 11:1</a>.<p>3. <b>Return After Herod’s Death</b>: According to <a href="/matthew/2-19.htm">Matthew 2:19-23</a>, Joseph did not return to the region of Judea until after Herod died. Even then, Joseph was concerned about Herod’s successor, Archelaus, so he settled in Nazareth of Galilee, fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus “would be called a Nazarene” (<a href="/matthew/2-23.htm">Matthew 2:23</a>).<p>Thus, Matthew’s emphasis is on the real danger Jesus faced from Herod and God’s preservation of the Messiah by directing Joseph and Mary to flee.<p><hr><p><b>Luke’s Account: Presentation at the Temple</b><p><a href="/luke/2-22.htm">Luke 2:22</a> explains, “And when the days of their purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.”<p>1. <b>Circumcision and Purification</b>: <a href="/luke/2-21.htm">Luke 2:21</a> details how, on the eighth day, the Child was circumcised and named Jesus. Then, around forty days after birth (cf. <a href="/leviticus/12-2.htm">Leviticus 12:2-4</a>), Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem. There, they offered sacrifices in keeping with Jewish law (<a href="/luke/2-24.htm">Luke 2:24</a>).<p>2. <b>Meeting Simeon and Anna</b>: While in the temple, Simeon and Anna recognized the Child’s significance (<a href="/luke/2-25.htm">Luke 2:25-38</a>). Simeon’s words (<a href="/luke/2-30.htm">Luke 2:30-32</a>) highlighted that Jesus was the promised salvation for both Jews and Gentiles, and Anna spoke of Him “to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem” (<a href="/luke/2-38.htm">Luke 2:38</a>).<p>3. <b>Post-Temple Return</b>: <a href="/luke/2-39.htm">Luke 2:39</a> states, “When Joseph and Mary had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.” At this point, Joseph and Mary appear to have no immediate sense of danger, as the threats described in Matthew’s account unfold later, after the Magi’s arrival.<p><hr><p><b>Harmonizing the Two Accounts</b><p>1. <b>Different Timelines, Not Contradictions</b>: Luke highlights the family’s fulfillment of Jewish customs soon after Jesus’ birth. Matthew’s account focuses on events surrounding the Magi’s visit, which likely took place after at least some time had passed.<p>2. <b>Journey Order</b>: According to many scholars and traditional readings, the family first observed the required temple rites (<a href="/bsb/luke/2.htm">Luke 2</a>) when Jesus was still an infant (within about 40 days after His birth). Later, the Magi arrived, reported Jesus’ birth to Herod, and unwittingly triggered Herod’s murderous intent.<p>3. <b>Consistent Details</b>: Both accounts agree that Jesus spent His earliest years in Nazareth (<a href="/matthew/2-23.htm">Matthew 2:23</a>; <a href="/luke/2-39.htm">Luke 2:39-40</a>). Each writer highlights different but complementary elements: Luke focuses on the early dedication in the temple and recognition of the Messiah by devout worshipers, while Matthew details the political threat and the significant journey to Egypt to protect the Child.<p><hr><p><b>Historical and Archaeological Corroboration</b><p>1. <b>Herod’s Paranoia</b>: Outside biblical sources (e.g., Josephus) confirm Herod’s well-documented ruthlessness. He executed members of his own family over suspicions of treason, supporting the plausibility of his plot against Jesus (<a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Matthew 2:16</a>).<p>2. <b>Egypt as a Place of Refuge</b>: Historically, many Jewish communities lived in Egypt, making it a logical place for Joseph and Mary to find temporary sanctuary. Archaeological evidence (including finds in regions such as Alexandria) indicates longstanding Jewish settlement.<p>3. <b>Travel Routes and Customs</b>: The family’s presentation in the temple matches known Jewish custom-biblical and extra-biblical documents alike testify to the importance of purification rites and dedication rituals after childbirth. Nothing in either Gospel suggests an impossible journey or conflicting timeline.<p><hr><p><b>Conclusion</b><p>In addressing the question of whether Jesus’ life was threatened in Jerusalem as an infant:<p>• <b>Yes, Jesus faced a genuine threat</b> under Herod’s domain, prompting Joseph’s flight to Egypt (<a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Matthew 2:13-23</a>). This threat arose after the Magi visited and Herod became aware of a rival “King of the Jews.”<p>• <b>No contradiction arises regarding the temple visit</b>: Luke’s record features the early visit to Jerusalem for purification (<a href="/luke/2-22.htm">Luke 2:22-38</a>), which occurred before the Magi arrived and gave Herod cause for alarm. After fulfilling these duties, Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth (<a href="/luke/2-39.htm">Luke 2:39-40</a>).<p>Matthew and Luke each give fitting pieces of the overall narrative, confirming both the peaceful presentation in the temple shortly after birth and the later events leading to the flight to Egypt when a deadly plot emerged. Both passages ultimately underscore God’s providential protection of Jesus in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and set the stage for His life and ministry, consistently affirming the biblical testimony.</div><div id="botbox"><div class="padbot"><div align="center"><br><br><a href="index.html">Bible Hub Questions and Answers</a><br><span class="p"><br /><br /></span></div></div></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="where_was_jesus_3_days_post-baptism.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Where was Jesus 3 days post-baptism?"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Where was Jesus 3 days post-baptism?" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="disciples'_reaction_to_jesus_walking_on_water.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Disciples' reaction to Jesus walking on water?"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Disciples' reaction to Jesus walking on water?" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhchapnoad.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>