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Matthew 2

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,

In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

What does Matthew 2:18 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 2:18 references a prophecy from Jeremiah 31:15.

This verse is part of the narrative describing King Herod's massacre of the male infants in Bethlehem, following the birth of Jesus.

The verse is quoted to convey the deep sorrow and mourning experienced by the mothers in Bethlehem. It uses the image of Rachel, a matriarch in Jewish history, weeping for her lost children to symbolize the collective grief of the community.

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Historical Context

The verse is set in the historical context of King Herod's rule over Judea.

Herod, known for being a ruthless leader, is said to have ordered the killing of all male infants in Bethlehem due to the threat posed by the prophecy of the birth of a new "King of the Jews," who was Jesus Christ.

This event is commonly referred to as the Massacre of the Innocents.

The author of the Gospel of Matthew uses this event to draw a parallel with the sorrow of the exile experienced by the Israelites, as depicted in Jeremiah's prophecy.

Theological Insights

The use of this verse in the context of Herod's massacre reflects several theological insights.

For some, it underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in the events of the New Testament.

It also highlights the idea of Jesus as a figure who brings about opposition and turmoil, even as a child.

Moreover, it emphasizes the depth of human sin and the consequences of Christ's coming into the world – a savior whose presence provokes both salvation and judgment.

Practical Applications

The application of this verse in a modern context involves the recognition of the reality of grief and suffering in the face of innocent loss.

It serves as a reminder for believers to comfort those who grieve and to acknowledge the profound sorrow that can accompany worldly events.

It also can be a call to protect the innocent and oppose unjust rulers or systems.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 31:15: "Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not."
Revelation 12:1-2: "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text from Matthew 2:18 include:

"Rama" (Ραμά): A transliteration of the Hebrew word for a high place, here referring to a town in Benjamin's territory, north of Jerusalem.
"Lamentation" (θρήνος): Refers to a dirge or a wail of mourning.
"Comforted" (παρακληθῆναι): From 'parakaleo', meaning to call someone to one’s side; hence, to comfort or console.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse with other ancient texts, one might find parallels in stories from different cultures where the grief of a mother figure is a central theme, such as the Sumerian goddess Innana's descent to the underworld, or the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone.

In these stories, a maternal figure experiences deep sorrow due to the loss or suffering of their children, resonating with the mourning of Rachel for her lost offspring.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse solicits an acknowledgement of the psychological trauma and the grieving process.

Modern psychology would interpret the collective wailing and refusal to be comforted as a community-wide expression of traumatic loss and grief, which can have long-lasting effects on the mental health and social structure of a community.

Commentaries

Experts and biblical commentators offer various views on this verse.

Some see it as a literal recount of historical events, while others may interpret it symbolically or theologically.

Many commentators agree that Matthew's use of Old Testament prophecy illustrates his view of Jesus' life and mission as the fulfillment of Jewish hope and prophecy.

It also brings into focus the themes of exile and return, which are central in biblical narratives, as well as the sovereignty of God in the midst of human tragedy.

Matthew 2

Matthew 2

What does Matthew 2:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 2:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?