Bible Strands
Matthew 2:6
‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The chief priests and scribes respond to King Herod’s inquiry about the birthplace of the promised king. They deliver the prophetic citation during a direct political confrontation.
The words — οὐδαμῶς (oudamōs) means “by no means,” and ἐλαχίστη (elachistē) means “least,” jointly negating Bethlehem’s perceived insignificance. βηθλὲεμ (bēthleem) pinpoints the exact town from which the ruler will emerge.
The thread — The quotation originates in Micah 5:2, which contrasts the town’s small size with its future royal role. The shepherd title echoes Ezekiel 34:23, while the coming ruler motif parallels Isaiah 9:6.
Why it lands — The text asserts that Bethlehem will produce a designated ruler and shepherd for Israel, regardless of its current status. Readers must acknowledge the prophecy’s fulfillment without dismissing the location’s apparent obscurity.
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
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.
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 34:23 I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.
- Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.
- Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- John 7:42 Doesn’t the Scripture say that the Christ will come from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?”
- Genesis 49:10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.
- Revelation 11:15 Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.”
- Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
- Isaiah 40:11 He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.
- Revelation 2:27 He will rule them with an iron scepter and shatter them like pottery—just as I have received authority from My Father.
- 2 Samuel 5:2 Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”