King James Version

What Does Matthew 2:18 Mean?

Matthew 2:18 in the King James Version says “In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and woul...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Matthew 2:18 · KJV

Context

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,

20

Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jeremiah 31:15's full context includes God's promise: 'Refrain thy voice from weeping...there is hope in thine end' (Jeremiah 31:16-17). The weeping mothers of Bethlehem, like Rachel, represent genuine grief, yet God's purposes of redemption stand firm. Christ's preservation through this massacre demonstrates God's sovereign protection of His elect and His redemptive plan.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The quotation from Jeremiah shows Matthew's Jewish audience that even this tragedy fits within God's revealed plan. The original context concerned the Babylonian exile, but Matthew shows a pattern of God bringing restoration after judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers maintain hope in God's goodness during tragic and unjust circumstances?
  2. What does God's preservation of Christ through Herod's massacre teach about His sovereign protection of His redemptive purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Φωνὴ1 of 22

“a voice”

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

ἐν2 of 22

“In”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Ῥαμᾶ3 of 22

“Rama”

G4471

rama (i.e., ramah), a place in palestine

ἠκούσθη4 of 22

“heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

θρῆνος5 of 22

“lamentation”

G2355

wailing

καὶ6 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κλαυθμὸς7 of 22

“weeping”

G2805

lamentation

καὶ8 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὀδυρμὸς9 of 22

“mourning”

G3602

moaning, i.e., lamentation

πολύς,10 of 22

“great”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

Ῥαχὴλ11 of 22

“Rachel”

G4478

rachel, the wife of jacob

κλαίουσα12 of 22

“weeping”

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

τὰ13 of 22
G3588

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

τέκνα14 of 22

“children”

G5043

a child (as produced)

αὐτῆς15 of 22
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ16 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ17 of 22

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἤθελεν18 of 22

“would”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

παρακληθῆναι19 of 22

“be comforted”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

ὅτι20 of 22

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐκ21 of 22

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εἰσίν22 of 22

“they are”

G1526

they are

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 2:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 2:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 31:15Jeremiah 9:17-21Jeremiah 4:31Genesis 35:16-20Ezekiel 2:10Genesis 37:30

Places in This Verse

Ramah 1Settlement · Modern: Al Ram · 31.85°N, 35.23°E16 verses across 10 books
View all places in Matthew 2 →

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