Figurative Usage. Jesus was brought up in the small town of Nazareth, probably meaning “Sprout-Town.” The apostle Matthew calls attention to Jesus’ being called a Nazarene (apparently from the Heb. neʹtser, sprout) as a fulfillment of prophecy, alluding to the prophecy at Isaiah 11:1.​—Mt 2:23.

At Zechariah 6:12, 13, “the man whose name is Sprout” is described as building the temple of Jehovah and sitting as a priest upon his throne. This can apply to none other than Jesus Christ, since he alone could fill the office of King and Priest under God’s arrangement.