Bible Strands
Matthew 2:7
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and learned from them the exact time the star had appeared.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Herod secretly summons the Magi after their initial report and questions them about the precise timing of the star’s appearance. He directs them to Bethlehem immediately afterward to locate the child.
The words — The adverb λάθρᾳ (lathra) literally means “secretly” or “in concealment,” marking the clandestine nature of the summons. The verb ἠκρίβωσεν (ēkribōsen) translates to “inquired exactly,” denoting a demand for precise chronological data.
The thread — This pattern of concealed inquiry and calculated speech appears in Exodus 1:10, 1 Samuel 18:21, and Psalm 55:21, where rulers mask hostile intent behind diplomatic language. The text records Herod’s tactical questioning without validating his subsequent deception.
Why it lands — The passage requires the reader to observe how recorded actions expose motive before any theological deduction is made. It asks for a plain recognition that political fear often drives precise, hidden investigation.
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 had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
Cross-references
- Exodus 1:10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.”
- 1 Samuel 18:21 “I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.”
- Psalms 55:21 His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.
- Psalms 64:4 ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.
- Psalms 83:3 With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish,
- Isaiah 7:5 For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted your ruin, saying:
- Psalms 10:9 He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net.
- Ezekiel 38:10 This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan.
- Revelation 12:1 And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed in the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.
- Matthew 26:3 At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,