What was Nazarene?
The term “Nazarene” appears in Matthew 2:23, where it is written: “And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.” This title was applied to Jesus, identifying Him with the town of Nazareth in Galilee. The word “Nazarene” is not merely a geographic designation—it also came to carry theological and prophetic significance in the New Testament.
In Greek, Nazarene is rendered as Ναζωραῖος (Nazoraios), a term used to describe someone from Nazareth. The Hebrew root behind the name Nazareth (נָצְרַת – Natzeret) may be related to the Hebrew word נֵצֶר (netzer), meaning “branch” or “shoot,” which is found in Isaiah 11:1—“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” This potential wordplay highlights a deeper prophetic connection between Jesus’ origin and His Messianic role.
Biblical References and Cross-References
- Matthew 2:23 – Jesus is called a Nazarene in fulfillment of prophecy.
- John 1:45-46 – Nathanael questions whether anything good can come from Nazareth.
- Acts 24:5 – Paul is accused of being a ringleader of the sect of the “Nazarenes.”
- Isaiah 11:1 – Reference to the Branch (netzer) from Jesse, seen as a Messianic prophecy.
- Judges 13:5 – While not directly related, the term Nazirite is often confused with Nazarene. They are distinct in both meaning and role.
What Happened in the Bible?
After Joseph and Mary returned from Egypt with the child Jesus, they settled in Nazareth, a small and seemingly insignificant town in Galilee (Matthew 2:19-23). This was partly to avoid the reign of Archelaus in Judea, and it fulfilled what the prophets had spoken. However, unlike other Messianic prophecies, there is no single Old Testament verse that says the Messiah would be called a “Nazarene.” Instead, this is likely a summary of several prophetic themes, particularly the idea that the Messiah would be despised and lowly, much like people from Nazareth were perceived (see Isaiah 53:3).
Nazareth had a reputation for being obscure and insignificant, a fact highlighted in John 1:46 when Nathanael exclaimed, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Jesus’ identification as a “Nazarene” thus became part of His humble and rejected identity, fulfilling prophecies that the Messiah would be despised and rejected by men.
Theological Significance
Being called a Nazarene emphasized Jesus’ humanity, humility, and connection with the lowly. Rather than coming from a place of worldly importance like Jerusalem or Rome, the Savior of the world grew up in a town of little reputation. This aligns with biblical themes that God often chooses the weak and despised to accomplish His purposes (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
Additionally, the linguistic connection to netzer in Isaiah 11:1 paints Jesus as the righteous Branch—the promised descendant of David who would restore God’s people. Matthew, in citing that Jesus would be called a Nazarene, is likely drawing on this prophetic imagery to declare that Jesus is indeed the long-awaited Messiah.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
To call Jesus a Nazarene is to embrace His humble origins, rejection by the world, and fulfillment of prophetic promise. This term reminds believers that God’s work often comes in unexpected ways and through unlikely people. It encourages Christians not to measure significance by worldly standards but to trust God’s sovereign plan.
Moreover, being identified with Jesus the Nazarene means sharing in His reproach. In Acts 24:5, followers of Jesus were referred to as members of the “sect of the Nazarenes.” This label, used with scorn, became a badge of honor for believers who were united with Christ in both name and mission.
How the Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel
Jesus being called a Nazarene ties directly to the gospel’s upside-down nature. He who is the King of kings did not grow up in a palace but in Nazareth. His lowly upbringing prefigured the rejection He would face and the suffering He would endure on the cross. Yet it also points to His exaltation, as He is the Branch who brings salvation to all nations.
The gospel declares that God came near, even to a place like Nazareth. This shows the extent of Christ’s identification with humanity, especially the poor and marginalized. The Nazarene King did not come to be served but to serve—and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
Broader Biblical Themes
1. Fulfilled Prophecy
Though “He will be called a Nazarene” is not a direct Old Testament quote, it reflects the composite message of the prophets—that the Messiah would be humble, rejected, and a Branch from David’s line.
2. God’s Power in the Lowly
Jesus‘ connection to Nazareth reveals how God often works through what is overlooked by the world to bring about His redemptive plan.
3. Suffering and Rejection
Jesus, the Nazarene, was despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3). His followers, likewise, are not above being misunderstood and scorned.
4. Messiah as the Branch
The “Branch” (netzer) imagery underscores Jesus’ Davidic lineage and righteous rule, a central theme in both Old and New Testaments.
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think God chose for His Son to grow up in a place like Nazareth?
- How does Jesus being called a “Nazarene” shape our understanding of humility in leadership?
- In what ways are Christians today called to identify with the Nazarene?
- Have you ever felt overlooked or insignificant? How does Jesus’ story in Nazareth speak to your situation?
- What does it mean for you personally that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies—even in ways the world didn’t expect?