King James Version

What Does Matthew 2:17 Mean?

Matthew 2:17 in the King James Version says “Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,”

Matthew 2:17 · KJV

Context

15

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.

16

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.

17

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,

18

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.

19

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Matthew sees Jeremiah 31:15's prophecy fulfilled in the massacre, using a 'fuller sense' (sensus plenior) hermeneutic. Rachel, buried near Bethlehem, represents motherly grief over Israel's children. This fulfillment connects Christ's advent to Israel's entire history of suffering under judgment, yet the broader context of Jeremiah 31 promises restoration and the New Covenant—ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah 31:15 originally referenced the Babylonian exile's grief, when Israelites were led past Rachel's tomb into captivity. Matthew shows this pattern repeating in Herod's massacre, with both events ultimately pointing to the consolation found in Christ and the New Covenant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this tragic event ultimately point to God's sovereign purposes of redemption?
  2. What comfort does the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) provide in the face of suffering and injustice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
Τότε1 of 9

“Then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἐπληρώθη2 of 9

“was fulfilled”

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

τοῦ3 of 9

“that which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ῥηθὲν4 of 9

“was spoken”

G4483

to utter, i.e., speak or say

ὑπὸ5 of 9

“by”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

Ἰερεμίου6 of 9

“Jeremy”

G2408

hieremias (i.e., jermijah), an israelite

τοῦ7 of 9

“that which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προφήτου8 of 9

“the prophet”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

λέγοντος9 of 9

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 2:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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