FocusWorship and Herod's hostility
Connection to the wholeThe wise men's search contrasts their worship with Herod's fear, introducing opposition to Jesus from the beginning.
interpretation Matthew 2:6
KJVAnd 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.
Read it in context
Visitors and a threatened king
Start reading at Matthew 2:1 (Matthew 2:1 to Matthew 2:12).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The wise men's search contrasts their worship with Herod's fear, introducing opposition to Jesus from the beginning.
- 2:1 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,
- 2:2 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.
- 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
- 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
- 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
- 2:6 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.
- 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
- 2:8 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.
- 2:9 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.
- 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
- 2:11 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.
- 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 2:1–2:23): The wise men, Herod, the chief priests and scribes, Joseph, Mary, and the child Jesus appear in successive scenes surrounding the visit and flight to Egypt. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Visitors and a threatened king. Read Matthew 2:1 through Matthew 2:12 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The wise men's search contrasts their worship with Herod's fear, introducing opposition to Jesus from the beginning. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Visitors and a threatened king (Matthew 2:1 to Matthew 2:12). Start reading at Matthew 2:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 2:1, Matthew 2:12, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment
The notes distinguish explicit fulfillment statements from other explicit New Testament applications. They do not assume every detail of the surrounding prophecy has already been fulfilled.
The ruler from Bethlehem
NT explicitly applies this passage
- Old Testament: Micah 5:2–5
- New Testament: Matthew 2:1–6 (current passage)
Matthew records the scriptural answer naming Bethlehem as the ruler's birthplace. The quoted wording also reflects shepherd-ruler language; this link does not claim all of Micah 5 is exhausted by the birth narrative.
Related passages
- thou Matt 2:1 Mic 5:2 John 7:42
- a Governor Matt 28:18 Gen 49:10 Num 24:19 1 Chr 5:2 Ps 2:1-6 Isa 9:6-7 Eph 1:22 Col 1:18
- rule Ps 78:71-72 Isa 40:11 Jer 23:4-6 Ezek 34:23-25 Ezek 37:24-26
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 2
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Flight into Egypt
Matthew 2:13–18FocusProtection amid violence
Connection to the wholeJoseph's obedience preserves the child while Herod's violence exposes the danger surrounding the promised ruler.
interpretation Return to Nazareth
Matthew 2:19–23FocusSettlement after exile
Connection to the wholeThe family's return completes the infancy movement and locates Jesus in the setting from which His later ministry emerges.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.