'He shall be called a Nazarene'

The Jewish Encyclopedia observes that Matthew repeatedly uses the fulfillment formula, including ii. 23, with similar statements in John and Luke. In most cases, it says, the Messianic or alleged Messianic passages suggested the story, rather than the story suggesting the passages.

The Jewish Encyclopedia (Funk & Wagnalls, 1901-1906); article signed 'E. C. K.', The Jewish Encyclopedia, vol. 9, s.v. 'New Testament' (New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1901-1906) — section 'Unhistorical Character of the Gospels'

Jerome argues that had he meant to quote a particular text, he would have written "the Prophet," not "Prophets." By using the plural, he evidently takes not the words of any one passage of Scripture but the sense of the whole.

Jerome (c. 347-420), as compiled by Thomas Aquinas, Catena Aurea (Golden Chain), vol. I: St. Matthew (trans. J. H. Newman et al.; London: J. G. F. and J. Rivington, 1842) — Jerome's comment on Matthew 2:23

Driscoll rejects the view that Matthew 2:23 alludes to a Nazirite or to a lost or merely traditional prophecy, since Christ was not a Nazirite and no positive proof supports it. He finds Jerome's explanation more plausible: the plural "prophets" precludes a single passage and points to general predictions that the Messiah would be despised (cf. John 1:46).

James F. Driscoll, The Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. 10, s.v. 'Nazarene' (New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911) — final paragraph, on the 'Nazarene' title of Christ

Chrysostom asks what prophet said this and tells readers not to be curious or overbusy. He says many prophetic writings have been lost, as one may see from the history of the Chronicles.

John Chrysostom (c. 349-407), Homilies on the Gospel of St. Matthew, in NPNF ser. 1, vol. 10 (ed. Philip Schaff; T&T Clark, Edinburgh, 1888) — Homily IX (on Matt. ii. 16), on Matt. ii. 23

Calvin says Matthew does not derive “Nazarene” from Nazareth as its strict and proper etymology, but only makes an allusion. He also notes that Nazirite (נזיר) signifies holy and devoted to God and is derived from נזר, to separate.

John Calvin (1509-1564), Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, vol. 1 (trans. William Pringle; Calvin Translation Society, Edinburgh, 1845) — comment on Matthew 2:23 ('He shall be called a Nazarene')

Barnes holds that the people of Nazareth were proverbially despised, so being a Nazarene meant being despised and thought of low birth, a root out of dry ground with no form or comeliness. He says this contempt was the same as what the prophets had predicted.

Albert Barnes (1798-1870), Notes on the New Testament, Explanatory and Practical (enlarged ed. by Robert Frew; CCEL carries the Baker reprint) — Note on Matthew 2:23