Matthew 2:23: The Prophecy of Jesus as a Nazarene
Scripture:
"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)
Old Testament Source:
There is no single verse in the Old Testament that explicitly states, "He shall be called a Nazarene." However, this statement is likely a thematic reference to messianic prophecies, particularly:
Isaiah 11:1 "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots."
The Hebrew word for "Branch" is netzer, which is phonetically linked to the name "Nazareth."
Connection:
The term "Nazarene" may reflect the concept of the Messiah as a humble "Branch" (netzer), fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 11:1. Jesus’ residence in Nazareth symbolizes His lowly and obscure origins, aligning with the Old Testament expectation of a Messiah who would emerge from humble beginnings to fulfill God’s redemptive plan.
Commonly Accepted Alternative Matches:
Humble and Despised Origins
Prophetic Theme: The prophets often speak of the Messiah as one who would be rejected and held in low esteem.
Supporting Texts:
Psalm 22:6: "But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people."
Isaiah 53:3: "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief."
Connection to Nazareth: In Jesus’ time, Nazareth was an obscure and looked-down-upon town (“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” - John 1:46). Thus, the term "Nazarene" may symbolize Jesus' humble and rejected status, fulfilling these prophetic themes.