Definition: When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 2:14. It's a really important story about Jesus’ arrival in Egypt! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Jesus was taken away from Nazareth (the town where he grew up) by his family and fled into Egypt. Let's unpack that a little further: “When he arose…” This tells us this happened after Jesus had been crucified. It’s like saying, “After the death of Jesus, something important happened.” “…he took the young child and his mother by night…” This is the key part. It means Jesus, in a dramatic and secretive way, left the place where he was imprisoned. He chose to go to Egypt – a land known for its powerful Pharaoh. "...and departed into Egypt:" He traveled to a place of safety and protection. Why is this significant? This story is often seen as a sign that Jesus wasn’t just dying but was also coming to live. It's considered one of the earliest stories in the Bible about Jesus' journey and preparation for his future ministry. Important Note: The exact details of what happened are debated among theologians, but it generally means he left behind his family and went to Egypt to be safe from persecution. Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the story in more detail? Discuss its symbolism?