Matthew 2 8

Matthew 2:8 kjv

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 nkjv

And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also."

Matthew 2:8 niv

He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

Matthew 2:8 esv

And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him."

Matthew 2:8 nlt

Then he told them, "Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!"

Matthew 2 verses

Matthew 2 8 Meaning

Matthew 2:8 records Herod the Great's deceptive command to the Magi after they consulted with him about the birth of the "King of the Jews." He instructed them to "go and search carefully for the young child," adding the deceitful pretense that he also wished to "come and worship him," when his true intention was to find and kill the Messiah, whom he perceived as a threat to his throne. This verse encapsulates Herod's cunning and malevolence, setting the stage for divine intervention.

Matthew 2 8 Context

Matthew chapter 2 continues the narrative of Jesus's birth, shifting focus to the global implications of the Messiah's arrival. The visit of the Magi, learned men from the East, precipitates a crisis in Jerusalem, particularly for Herod the Great. Having heard about the birth of a "King of the Jews," Herod convenes his chief priests and scribes, who confirm Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah, citing Micah 5:2. Fearful of a potential rival to his throne—Herod was known for his extreme paranoia and ruthlessness, having executed family members and perceived enemies—he summons the Magi in secret. Matthew 2:8 represents Herod's attempt to use deception to achieve his murderous aims, disguising his wicked intent with a veneer of pious worship. Historically, Herod maintained his power through a brutal alliance with Rome and was extremely sensitive to any challenge, whether perceived or real, to his authority. This historical context highlights the severity of the threat posed to the infant Jesus. The verse also underscores the indirect polemic against earthly rulers who, in their pride and pursuit of temporal power, oppose the divine plan and God's true King.

Matthew 2 8 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A common conjunction, simply connects this action to Herod's previous interaction with the Magi.
• he sent (ἀποστέλλει - apostellei): "To send forth, dispatch." This is a strong verb indicating a direct and authoritative command. Herod, as king, issues a specific directive.
• them (αὐτούς - autous): Refers to the Magi, who were searching for the King of the Jews.
• to Bethlehem (εἰς Βηθλεὲμ - eis Bethleem): A specific instruction to go to the town prophesied as the Messiah's birthplace (Mic 5:2), showing Herod’s strategic use of the chief priests' and scribes' information.
• and said (καὶ εἶπεν - kai eipen): Connects Herod's dispatch with his instructions.
• Go (πορευθέντες - poreuthentes): A command, "having gone." It implies an imperative and immediate action.
• and search (ἐξετάσατε - exetasate): "To examine, inquire carefully, investigate thoroughly." This word carries a strong sense of a deliberate, precise, and systematic inquiry, highlighting Herod's detailed, insidious plan.
• carefully (ἀκριβῶς - akribōs): "Accurately, strictly, diligently, with precision." This adverb intensifies "search," underscoring Herod's demand for exact information about the child's whereabouts. His feigned interest required precision.
• for the young child (περὶ τοῦ παιδίου - peri tou paidiou): "About/concerning the little child/infant." The Greek term paidion can refer to a young child, not necessarily a newborn (brephos), which is consistent with scholarly interpretations that the Magi's visit occurred perhaps up to two years after Jesus's birth.
• and when you have found him (ὅταν εὕρητε - hotan heurēte): "When you find." A temporal clause setting a condition for their next action.
• bring me word again (ἀπαγγείλατέ μοι - apangeilate moi): "Report to me, inform me fully." Herod insists on receiving a detailed report back, demonstrating his desire for control and successful execution of his plan.
• that I also (ὅπως κἀγώ - hopōs kagō): "So that I also." This is the core of Herod's deception. By saying "I also," he attempts to align his intentions with those of the Magi, feigning common cause and genuine interest in worship.
• may come and worship him (ἐλθὼν προσκυνήσω αὐτῷ - elthōn proskynēsō autō): "Having come, I may bow down/prostrate myself to him."
  • "Worship" (προσκυνήσω - proskynēso): This word literally means "to prostrate oneself before," "to kiss the hand to," or "to do reverence to." While it can mean religious worship of God, it is also used for showing homage to kings or respected individuals (e.g., Mt 18:26, "a servant... worshipped him" as an act of homage to his master). Herod intentionally uses this term because it is the stated purpose of the Magi's journey, making his lie more plausible. The irony is profound: the Magi come for true worship, Herod for murder.

Words-group analysis

• "he sent them to Bethlehem, and said": This sequence reveals Herod's decisive and calculated action. He isn't passively waiting; he's actively orchestrating. The specific directive to Bethlehem shows he immediately utilized the prophetic information gathered from the religious leaders.
• "Go and search carefully for the young child": This command highlights the depth of Herod's perceived threat and his meticulous planning. The terms exetasate akribōs signify that this was not a casual request but a demanding instruction for a thorough reconnaissance mission, vital to his murderous plot.
• "that I also may come and worship him": This phrase epitomizes Herod's profound hypocrisy and manipulative nature. By using "I also" and "worship," he attempts to present himself as a devout follower, akin to the Magi, seeking to pay homage to the new king. However, this outwardly pious statement serves to conceal his deadly intent, creating a stark contrast between true reverence and feigned piety used for destructive ends.

Matthew 2 8 Bonus section

The deceit of Herod in Mt 2:8 underscores the profound spiritual conflict introduced with Christ's birth: the kingdom of darkness immediately recognizes and opposes the Kingdom of Light. Herod, as an earthly king wielding temporal power, acts as an agent of this opposition, fearing the legitimate divine King. This verse sets the stage for the recurring theme in Matthew of Jesus facing rejection and opposition from the established authorities, even while drawing worship from unexpected places (the Magi). Herod's use of "worship" (προσκυνέω) demonstrates how sacred terms can be profaned and twisted by evil intentions, highlighting the insidious nature of hypocrisy where religious veneer hides murderous intent. The phrase "the young child" (paidion) suggests that Jesus was no longer an infant (brephos) at this point, which aligns with Herod later killing all male children under two years old, implying the Star had appeared some time before.

Matthew 2 8 Commentary

Matthew 2:8 powerfully illustrates the stark contrast between worldly power, motivated by fear and self-preservation, and the arrival of God's chosen King. Herod's instruction, seemingly benign, is laden with insidious intent. His feigned desire to "worship" Jesus stands in sharp opposition to the true, humble adoration offered by the Magi. This deception highlights Herod's ruthless character, accustomed to maintaining power through violence and cunning. The careful wording ("search carefully," "bring me word") underscores the meticulously planned nature of his malicious agenda. However, this verse also subtly foreshadows divine intervention. Herod's elaborate scheme, based on deception, is ultimately frustrated by God's protective guidance of the Magi (Mt 2:12), demonstrating that no human plot, however meticulously crafted, can thwart God's sovereign purposes. It serves as a reminder that not all who profess a desire for Christ do so with pure motives, and discernment is vital.