From OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com on 11/16/2024.
Prompt: List the scriptures in Matthew where the writer refers to an event fulfilling the scriptures. Cite the scriptures from the NRSV and the context of each scripture in the Hebrew Bible that scholars believe is being referred to. At the end of the response list the sources.
Below is a list of references in the Gospel of Matthew where the writer explicitly connects an event in Jesus’ life to the fulfillment of Hebrew Bible prophecy. Each instance includes the citation from the NRSV, the context of the event in Matthew, and the Hebrew Bible passage believed to be referenced.
1. Matthew 1:22-23
- Matthew (NRSV): “All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means, ‘God is with us.’”
- Context in Matthew: This refers to the angel’s announcement to Joseph about the virgin birth of Jesus.
- Hebrew Bible Reference: Isaiah 7:14 – “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.”
- Context in Isaiah: This is part of a prophecy given to King Ahaz of Judah as a sign of God’s presence during a time of political threat.
2. Matthew 2:5-6
- Matthew (NRSV): “‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”
- Context in Matthew: The Magi ask King Herod where the Messiah is to be born. This is the response from the chief priests and scribes.
- Hebrew Bible Reference: Micah 5:2 – “But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.”
- Context in Micah: A prophecy of a future ruler who will lead Israel and bring peace.
3. Matthew 2:15
- Matthew (NRSV): “This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I have called my son.’”
- Context in Matthew: This refers to Joseph taking Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s massacre of infants.
- Hebrew Bible Reference: Hosea 11:1 – “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”
- Context in Hosea: This recalls God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt, referencing the nation as God’s son.
4. Matthew 2:17-18
- Matthew (NRSV): “Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.’”
- Context in Matthew: Herod’s massacre of the infants in Bethlehem.
- Hebrew Bible Reference: Jeremiah 31:15 – “Thus says the Lord: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.”
- Context in Jeremiah: A lament over the exile of Israel, with Rachel personifying the grief of the nation.
5. Matthew 2:23
- Matthew (NRSV): “There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, ‘He will be called a Nazarene.’”
- Context in Matthew: Refers to Jesus’ family settling in Nazareth after returning from Egypt.
- Hebrew Bible Reference: There is no direct quotation, but some scholars suggest connections to prophecies about the Messiah being despised (e.g., Isaiah 53:3) or possibly a wordplay on netzer (branch) from Isaiah 11:1.
6. Matthew 4:14-16
- Matthew (NRSV): “So that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned.’”
- Context in Matthew: Refers to Jesus beginning his ministry in Galilee.
- Hebrew Bible Reference: Isaiah 9:1-2 – “But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.”
- Context in Isaiah: A promise of hope and deliverance to the northern tribes of Israel.
7. Matthew 8:17
- Matthew (NRSV): “This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, ‘He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.’”
- Context in Matthew: Refers to Jesus healing the sick.
- Hebrew Bible Reference: Isaiah 53:4 – “Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.”
- Context in Isaiah: A prophecy about the suffering servant who bears the people’s burdens.
8. Matthew 12:17-21
- Matthew (NRSV): “This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ‘Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased… and in his name the Gentiles will hope.’”
- Context in Matthew: Refers to Jesus withdrawing from conflict and healing the crowds.
- Hebrew Bible Reference: Isaiah 42:1-4 – “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights… the coastlands wait for his teaching.”
- Context in Isaiah: A description of God’s servant who brings justice and hope to the nations.
9. Matthew 13:35
- Matthew (NRSV): “This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.’”
- Context in Matthew: Refers to Jesus teaching in parables.
- Hebrew Bible Reference: Psalm 78:2 – “I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old.”
- Context in Psalms: A recounting of God’s works and lessons for Israel.
10. Matthew 21:4-5
- Matthew (NRSV): “This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, ‘Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
- Context in Matthew: Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
- Hebrew Bible Reference: Zechariah 9:9 – “Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
- Context in Zechariah: A prophecy of a humble and victorious king bringing peace.
Sources
- The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible
- The Jewish Study Bible (Oxford University Press)
- Commentaries such as “The Gospel of Matthew” by R.T. France and “Matthew: A Commentary” by Craig S. Keener
