The Gospel of Matthew makes a fascinating statement in Matthew 2:23:
“And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.”
This verse has puzzled readers for centuries because no Old Testament passage explicitly says the Messiah would be “called a Nazarene.”
Let’s unpack its meaning by exploring the context, possible interpretations, and theological significance.
The Context in Matthew
Matthew records this statement after Joseph, Mary, and Jesus return from Egypt. Joseph avoids Judea because of Herod Archelaus’s rule and settles in Nazareth, a town in Galilee. Matthew interprets this move as fulfilling prophecy, tying it to Jesus being “called a Nazarene.” However, unlike other citations in Matthew, this prophecy isn’t directly quoted from the Old Testament.
Possible Interpretations
A Collective Fulfillment from the Prophets
Matthew uses the plural “prophets,” suggesting that he’s summarizing a general theme found in various prophetic writings rather than citing a specific text. This broader fulfillment could be tied to:
Messianic rejection: Several Old Testament passages foreshadow the Messiah’s rejection and humility (e.g., Psalm 22:6-8, Isaiah 53:3). Nazareth was a despised and insignificant town, so being “called a Nazarene” might symbolize Jesus’ humble and rejected status.
Wordplay on the Hebrew Root for “Branch”
Another possibility lies in the Hebrew word netzer, which means “branch” or “shoot.” Several Old Testament prophecies refer to the Messiah as a “Branch” growing from David’s line:
- Isaiah 11:1: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.”
- Jeremiah 23:5: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch.”
- Zechariah 3:8: “Behold, I will bring my servant the Branch.”
The term netzer could linguistically connect to the name “Nazareth,” implying that Matthew saw Jesus’ residence in Nazareth as fulfilling these “Branch” prophecies. Though the connection is indirect, it aligns with Matthew’s typological approach to prophecy.
Cultural and Symbolic Meaning of Nazareth
In Jesus’ time, Nazareth was a small, obscure, and disreputable town. In John 1:46, Nathanael famously asks, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” To be “called a Nazarene” might symbolize being scorned or looked down upon. Matthew may be emphasizing that the Messiah would be associated with lowliness and contempt, as foretold in Isaiah 53:3: “He was despised and rejected by men.”
Theological Significance
Jesus’ Humility and Rejection
The association with Nazareth reinforces Jesus’ identity as the humble and suffering servant. His rejection by the world began with His association with a despised town. This fulfills the broader prophetic theme of the Messiah’s rejection.
God’s Sovereignty in Fulfillment
Matthew shows that even seemingly mundane details of Jesus’ life—like His upbringing in Nazareth—were part of God’s sovereign plan. The prophecies about the Messiah weren’t just about grand events but encompassed His entire life and mission.
A Reversal of Expectations
The Messiah was expected to come in glory and power, yet He was “called a Nazarene,” a title of scorn. This reminds us that God often works through what the world considers weak or insignificant (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
Conclusion
When Matthew says that the prophets foretold Jesus would be “called a Nazarene,” he’s likely summarizing a broader prophetic theme rather than pointing to a specific Old Testament verse. This title reflects Jesus’ humble, rejected, and despised role, fulfilling the prophecies about the suffering servant. It also connects Him to the “Branch” prophecies, emphasizing His identity as the promised descendant of David who brings salvation.
In Jesus being “called a Nazarene,” we see the beauty of God’s plan: the Savior of the world came not in earthly splendor but in humility and lowliness, identifying with the least and rejected to bring redemption to all.
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