Expert: Thurman C. Petty, Jr. - 7/4/2009

Question
What prophets spoke he shall be called a Nazarene?

Answer
Dear Melvin,

Thank you for your question about the prophecy of Jesus being a Nazarene.

No specific prophecy resembling this appears in the OT. But when Matthew quotes from the prophets in previous verses, he refered to them as “the prophet” (singular). But here he uses the plural form of the word “prophets.” It may mean that he quoted from several prophets, which, taken together, led him to this conclusion. It is possible, also, that Matthew quotes inspired writings that did not become a part of the Scripture we have today.

There were several prophets that evidently did not write anything that is included in our Scripture, such as Elijah, Elisha, Nathan, and many others. These men prophesied many things, both recorded by others, and things not recorded at all. It may be that Matthew was thus referring to these prophesies that would have come down to him through the oral tradition of the Jews.

It may also be that the word “Nazarene" is quoted from the Greek translation of the Old Testament, that Matthew used, from the word "neser" which is translated “Branch” in Isa. 11:1, a clear Messianic prophecy. It is possible therefore that the derivation of Nazareth from "neser" may be correct, and that the prophecies of Jesus as the “Branch” could appropriately be applied to the fact that He grew up in the city of Nazareth.”

Matthew’s statement concerning Christ as a Nazarene may also be a reference to the reproach that came, first upon the town of Nazareth, and later upon Jesus and His followers. Isaiah said that Messiah would be “despised and rejected of men” (Isa. 53:3). Jesus was to appear, not as a celebrated ruler, but as a humble man among men. He was not even to be known as a Bethlehemite, and to have what honor might attach to Him as a citizen of the city of David.

So you see, there are many options for Matthew’s use of the title “Nazarene.”

Thank you again for your question. I believe the main point to be taken from the life of Jesus is that He is our God, our brother, our Savior. If we do not make Him our Savior, all of our knowledge about Him will be of no avail, and we will die in our sins.

So Melvin, I invite you just now to come before Jesus in prayer, ask him to forgive you for your sins (1 John 1:9)—be as specific as you can—and to accept you as His adopted child (John 1:12). Then you can look forward with hope to the resurrection of the righteous, the glorification of the righteous living, and our translation up into the sky to meet our Lord in the air (1 Thess 4:16, 17). And “so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Thurman C. Petty, Jr.
pettypress@gmail.com