JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning Matthew 2:23.

Actually, there is no DIRECT prophecy recorded in the Old Testament about Christ being a Nazarene. Apparently, this was an oral prophecy which had been passed down only by word of mouth. Notice the word "spoken" in this verse.

One verse, however, contains an interesting play on words -- Isaiah 11:1. The word "branch" here is from the Hebrew "nezer." This word is very similar to the Hebrew word for "Nazarene." Perhaps the Jews at that time understood this verse to refer to someone from Nazareth.

Whenever we can assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT