King James Version

What Does Matthew 2:8 Mean?

Matthew 2:8 in the King James Version says “And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

Matthew 2:8 · KJV


Context

6

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. rule: or, feed

7

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Herod's request appears reasonable but conceals homicidal intent. This demonstrates that evil often masquerades as piety, requiring spiritual discernment to detect. The irony is profound: Herod asks to 'worship' the King he plans to murder, showing how religious profession without heart transformation is worthless. God would sovereignly protect Christ despite this scheme.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The magi's journey from the East likely took months. Herod's request seemed innocent—wanting to worship the newborn king—but revealed his paranoid tyranny when he later slaughtered Bethlehem's children (Matthew 2:16).

Reflection Questions

  1. How can we develop discernment to recognize false professions of faith and hidden evil?
  2. What does this passage teach about God's sovereign protection of His elect despite human schemes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

And

G2532

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

πέμψας2 of 22

he sent

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

αὐτῷ3 of 22

him

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

εἰς4 of 22

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Βηθλεὲμ5 of 22

Bethlehem

G965

bethleem (i.e., beth-lechem), a place in palestine

εἶπεν6 of 22

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Πορευθέντες7 of 22

Go

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

ἀκριβῶς8 of 22

diligently

G199

exactly

ἐξετάσατε9 of 22

and search

G1833

to test thoroughly (by questions), i.e., ascertain or interrogate

περὶ10 of 22

for

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τοῦ11 of 22
G3588

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

παιδίου·12 of 22

the young child

G3813

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

ἐπὰν13 of 22

when

G1875

a particle of indefinite contemporaneousness; whenever, as soon as

δὲ14 of 22

and

G1161

but, and, etc

εὕρητε15 of 22

ye have found

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

ἀπαγγείλατέ16 of 22

him bring

G518

to announce

μοι17 of 22

me

G3427

to me

ὅπως18 of 22

that

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

κἀγὼ19 of 22

also

G2504

so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.

ἐλθὼν20 of 22

I may come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

προσκυνήσω21 of 22

and worship

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

αὐτῷ22 of 22

him

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


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 2:8 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 2:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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