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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 2:3 mean?

Explanation

This verse conveys the reaction of King Herod and the city of Jerusalem upon hearing the news of the birth of Jesus, as brought by the wise men from the East.

The phrase "these things" refers to the arrival of the wise men and their quest to find "he who is born King of the Jews" (Matthew 2:2), having seen his star in the East and come to worship him.

Herod's troubled state likely reflects his fear of a potential threat to his throne and the political stability of his reign, as the birth of a new "king" could signify the rise of a rival.

The anxiety of the entire city of Jerusalem could be due to the possible repercussions of such news, including the fear of Roman retaliation or the outbreak of civil unrest.

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Historical Context

This verse is set in the historical context of the reign of Herod the Great, who ruled Judea under the auspices of the Roman Empire from 37 to 4 BCE.

Herod was known for his building projects but also for his ruthless nature, particularly when he felt his power was threatened.

The gospel recounts events around the time of Jesus' birth, located in Bethlehem of Judea.

The reaction of Herod and Jerusalem to the birth of a potential Jewish king must be understood against Herod's background as an Edomite and a client king under Roman authority, as well as the messianic expectations of the Jews at the time.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse showcases the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah.

It illustrates the contrast between worldly kingship, represented by Herod, and divine kingship, embodied by Jesus.

In fearful anticipation, Herod represents those who are threatened by the disruption of the divine order.

According to Christian theology, the arrival of Jesus signifies a new era that challenges earthly powers.

Interpretations may differ, with some seeing Herod's fear as a warning against resisting God's plan while others may focus on the universality of Jesus' kingdom challenging the exclusivity of earthly rule.

Practical Applications

This verse highlights several practical applications, such as:

The danger of allowing fear and insecurity to drive one's actions.
Awareness that news of change can create a sense of disturbance, which calls for faithful discernment rather than fearful reaction.
Encouraging believers to trust in God’s sovereignty even when earthly authorities are unsettled.
The importance of recognizing when change can signify the fulfillment of divine promise.

Cross-References

Micah 5:2 - Prophecy about Bethlehem, the birthplace of the Messiah.
Jeremiah 31:15 - Herod's actions later in Matthew 2 parallel the mourning prophesied here.
Psalm 2 - A psalm that discusses the relationship between God's appointed king and the earthly rulers.
Luke 1:33 - Refers to the everlasting kingdom of Jesus.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek language of this passage include:

"Troubled" (ταράσσω - tarassō): This verb means to stir up, disturb, or unsettle, indicating a deep emotional response.
"King" (βασιλεύς - basileus): Refers to a ruler or sovereign, a title Herod held under Roman oversight.
"Heard" (ἀκούω - akouō): To listen, hear, or comprehend information received.
"Jerusalem" (Ἱεροσόλυμα - Hierosolyma): The capital city of Judea, central to Jewish faith and identity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This narrative reflects common themes in ancient literature where the birth of significant figures often engenders fear among existing powers.

For example, in Roman myth, the birth of Romulus and Remus threatened King Amulius.

In Egypt, the birth of Moses as a deliverer of the Israelites caused Pharaoh to fear.

The Jewish expectation of a Messiah was likewise seen as a destabilizing factor by incumbent political leaders, which resonates with various cultural myths about miraculous births and changes in power.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings do not directly intersect with the narrative elements of this verse.

However, considerable scholarly effort has been dedicated to examining the historical accuracy of the accounts in Matthew and the possibility of astronomical events (such as comets, novae, or planetary alignments) being interpreted as the "star" the wise men followed, though such interpretations are speculative.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse offer a range of insights:

Some focus on its fulfillment of messianic prophecies and the juxtaposition of Herod's earthly kingship versus Jesus' divine role.
Others concentrate on the historical and political implications of Herod's rule and how the birth of Jesus might have challenged the status quo.
A number of scholars explore the emotional states implied by the verse, such as Herod's fear and the unease of Jerusalem as indicators of social tensions during the period.
Some theologians and biblical scholars view this verse as setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of Jesus' early life and the eventual confrontations between Jesus' teachings and earthly authorities.

Matthew 2

Matthew 2

What does Matthew 2:3 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 2:3 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?