Matthew 2:13 - Exposition

And (Revised Version, now ) when they were departed . The flight was not by their advice, and they were not even entrusted with the secret. Behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream ( Matthew 1:20 , notes). The present tense ( φαίνεται ) is here more vivid. Saying , Arise ( Matthew 2:14 , note), and take the young Child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word ; Revised Version, I tell thee ( ἕως ἂν εἴπω σοι ). The rendering of the Authorized Version seems to be due to a desire to express the dependence of the messenger on him who sent him. For Herod ; though he spoke so fair to the Magi. Will seek . The full form ( μέλλει … ζητεῖν ) hints that Herod's action will be the result of no momentary emotion, but of premeditation. The young Child to destroy him . The final motive ( τοῦ ἀπολέσαι ) of seeking him.