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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 2:5 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 2:5 presents a statement made by the chief priests and scribes of the people when King Herod inquires about the birthplace of the Messiah.

Responding to Herod, they refer to the prophetic writings of the Old Testament, specifically citing a prophecy about Bethlehem as the anticipated birthplace.

This passage highlights the expectation that the Jewish Messiah, as foretold by the prophets, would be born in the town of Bethlehem of Judea, reflecting a literal fulfillment of Messianic prophecy and anchoring Jesus’ birth within the traditional Jewish Messianic expectations of the time.

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Historical Context

During the time this verse was written, Judea was under Roman control, and King Herod the Great was a client king of the Romans.

The religious leaders of Israel were well-versed in the Hebrew Scriptures, including the prophetic writings that anticipated the coming Messiah. The prophetic reference, particularly from Micah 5:2, is drawn upon here.

It was common for people to look to the scribes and chief priests for interpretations of religious texts.

The events described in Matthew 2:5 occur within the larger narrative of the visit of the Magi, or wise men, from the East, who were searching for the newborn king of the Jews, which troubled Herod.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse demonstrates:

Fulfillment of Prophecy: The emphasis on Bethlehem as the birthplace of Christ aligns with the prophetic texts of the Old Testament and showcases the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies.
Sovereignty of God: The fact that events unfold as prophesied centuries earlier highlights the sovereignty of God in guiding history according to divine plan.
Jewish Expectations: It reflects the Jewish expectations of the Messiah's origins, grounding Jesus within the Jewish tradition even as he is recognized by Gentiles (the Magi).

Practical Applications

The practical applications derived from this verse could include:

Trust in Prophecy: An encouragement for believers to trust in the reliability of biblical prophecies and God's plans.
Understanding God's Timing: The importance of patience and trust in God's timing, as the fulfillment of prophecy can occur in unexpected ways and times.
Historical Roots of Faith: A reminder for Christians to value and understand the historical and Jewish roots of their faith.

Cross-References

Micah 5:2 - "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."
Luke 2:4-6 - "And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child."
John 7:42 - "Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?"

Language Study

"Bethlehem" in the original Greek is Βηθλέεμ, which transliterates to "Bethleem." It is derived from the Hebrew בֵּית לֶחֶם (Beth-lechem), meaning "house of bread." This name is significant as it points to Jesus as the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35). "Judaea" refers to the larger region in which Bethlehem is situated, emphasizing the specificity of the birthplace within broader geographic and cultural contexts.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, significant individuals like kings and heroes were often said to have auspicious births.

Virgil's "Aeneid," for example, portrays Aeneas as a divinely guided hero with a predestined future comparable to Messianic prophecies.

In other cultures, such birth narratives serve to legitimate rulers and connect their reigns with divine will.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the statement in Matthew 2:5 does not directly intersect with scientific inquiry as it relates to specific theological and historical claims.

Scholars may use historical and archaeological methods to examine the likelihood of various biblical events occurring as described, including the census that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer diverse opinions on Matthew 2:5:

Conservative scholars often emphasize the divine inspiration of scripture, seeing this verse as evidence of God's impeccable fulfillment of prophecy.
Critical scholars might focus on the evangelist's use of Old Testament prophecy to construct a narrative that presents Jesus as the expected Messiah.
Literary analysts may explore the thematic significance of this verse in the context of Matthew's Gospel, noting how it establishes Jesus' Davidic lineage and rightful place as King.

Each of these perspectives contributes to a richer understanding of the text and its implications for both historical interpretations and contemporary beliefs.

Matthew 2

Matthew 2

What does Matthew 2:5 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 2:5 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?