Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 69:1 (NA 2018)
Article: ‘He Shall Be Called A Nazarene’ The Non-Citation Of Matthew 2:23
Author: Jared M. August

TynBull 69:1 (2018) p. 63

‘He Shall Be Called A Nazarene’
The Non-Citation Of Matthew 2:23

Jared M. August

([email protected])

Summary

Numerous scholars have sought to identify the OT quotation to which Matthew 2:23 alludes. However, when the grammatical details of each of Matthew’s fourteen formula-citations are considered, it is apparent that Matthew did not intend to allude to any specific OT passage in 2:23. On the contrary, Matthew simply sought to develop the general OT expectation that the Messiah would come from humble origins, a reality consistent with Jesus’ upbringing in Nazareth. This thesis is demonstrated through an analysis and comparison of the fourteen formula-citations in Matthew’s Gospel. It is concluded that the formula-citations can be divided into two groups: (1) those which cite an OT passage (1:22; 2:15, 17; 4:14; 8:17; 12:17; 13:14, 35; 21:4; 27:9) and (2) those which develop an OT theme or expectation (2:23; 5:17; 26:54, 56).

1. Introduction

The formula-citations of Matthew’s Gospel have sparked much debate.1 Fourteen times in his Gospel, Matthew uses the verb πληρόω

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(ἀναπληρόω in 13:14) along with the citation of an OT passage or theme (1:22; 2:15, 17, 23; 4:14; 5:17; 8:17; 12:17; 13:14, 35; 21:4; You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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