A common objection is that Gospel of Matthew 2:23 appears to quote a prophecy that does not exist in the Old Testament.
“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.’”
At first glance, there is no single Old Testament verse that says this verbatim. However, a closer reading of Matthew’s method of quoting Scripture resolves the issue. When Matthew wants to quote a specific, verbatim prophecy, he typically uses the singular “prophet” and includes formulaic wording like “saying”:
Matthew 1:22–23 – “So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’”
Matthew 2:5–6 – “So they said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’’”
Matthew 2:15 – “…that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, ‘Out of Egypt I called My Son.’”
Matthew 2:17–18 – “Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah…’”
Matthew 3:3 – “For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying: ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness…’”
Matthew 4:14 – “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:”
Matthew 8:17 – “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: ‘He Himself took our infirmities…’”
Matthew 12:17–18 – “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: ‘Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen…’”
Matthew 21:4–5 – “All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: ‘Tell the daughter of Zion…’”
Matthew 27:9–10 – “Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: ‘And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, and gave them for the potter’s field, as the LORD directed me.’”
However, in Matthew 2:23:
- He says “prophets” (plural)
- He does not use “saying” in the same formulaic way
This indicates that Matthew is not quoting a single verse, but rather summarizing a theme found across multiple prophets.
The First-Century Meaning of “Nazarene”
In a first-century context, “Nazarene” or “from Nazareth” carried negative connotations.
This is reflected in:
John 1:45–46
“Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’
And Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’”
Nathanael’s reaction shows that Nazareth and its people were looked down upon.
This shows that Nazareth had a poor reputation, possibly influenced by its proximity to Gentile regions and associations with Roman presence, contributing to its low status among Jews. Because of this, being called a “Nazarene” became a term of contempt, associated with things like lowliness, rejection and social insignificance. Hence, just as His baptism was a physical sign of His death and resurrection (Rom 6:3-4), so Jesus lived in Nazareth as a representation, or maybe even like a played out reality, of His lowliness, rejection and social insignificance, a peasant.
The Old Testament “prophets” (plural) consistently describe the Messiah as one who would be despised, rejected, and insulted. This aligns with the connotation of being called a “Nazarene.”
Psalms 22:6–7 -“But I am a worm, and no man;
A reproach of men, and despised by the people.
All those who see Me ridicule Me;
They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,”
Isaiah 49:7 – “Thus says the LORD,
The Redeemer of Israel, their Holy One,
To Him whom man despises,
To Him whom the nation abhors,
To the Servant of rulers:
‘Kings shall see and arise,
Princes also shall worship…’”
Isaiah 53:3 – “He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.”
Wisdom 2:12–20 – “Let us lie in wait for the righteous man…
He professes to have knowledge of God,
And calls himself the son of the LORD…
Let us condemn him to a shameful death…”
Zechariah 12:10 – “Then they will look on Me whom they pierced.
Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son…”
Conclusion
Matthew 2:23 is not a failed prophecy or a mistaken quotation.
Instead:
- Matthew uses “prophets” (plural) to indicate a general prophetic theme, not a single verse
- “Nazarene” reflects a term of contempt and rejection in the first century
- The Old Testament consistently prophesies a Messiah who is despised, rejected, and scorned
Therefore:
“He shall be called a Nazarene” = He will be known as one who is despised and rejected
Matthew is not quoting a missing verse—he is summarizing the unified witness of the prophets.