Bible Strands
Matthew 2:16
When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Herod acts after the Magi depart, having learned the timeframe of the Messiah’s birth from them. The narrative records his orders in Bethlehem and its vicinity immediately following their departure.
The words — ἐνεπαίχθη (enepaichthē) literally means “he had been outwitted,” marking Herod’s realization of the Magi’s deception. ἰδὼν (idōn) translates to “having seen,” indicating the precise moment his rage is triggered.
The thread — The slaughter of innocents aligns with the violent imagery of Isaiah 59:7 and the tyrannical ruler described in Proverbs 28:15. This pattern of bloodshed against the faithful reappears in Revelation 17:6.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition of a ruler’s rage when his authority is challenged by hidden truth. It requires the reader to observe how political power reacts to perceived threats without moral justification.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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 enquired of the wise men.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 59:7 Their feet run to evil; they are swift to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are sinful thoughts; ruin and destruction lie in their wake.
- Proverbs 28:15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
- Revelation 17:6 I could see that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and witnesses for Jesus. And I was utterly amazed at the sight of her.
- Genesis 49:7 Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.
- Judges 16:10 Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me! Now please tell me how you can be tied up.”
- 2 Kings 8:12 “Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. “Because I know the evil you will do to the Israelites,” Elisha replied. “You will set fire to their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little ones to pieces, and rip open their pregnant women.”
- Proverbs 28:17 A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.
- Isaiah 26:21 For behold, the LORD is coming out of His dwelling to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth will reveal her bloodshed and will no longer conceal her slain.
- Daniel 3:13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, furious with rage, summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king,
- Daniel 3:19 At this, Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual,