Matthew 2:16 - Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under, according to the exact time which he had learned from the wise men.
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What does "Matthew 2:16" mean?
This verse from Matthew 2:16 describes a brutal act ordered by King Herod after the wise men (Magi) who came to worship the newborn Jesus did not return to tell him the child's location. Let's break down the meaning:
"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men..." Herod felt deceived or outsmarted by the Magi. He had asked them to find the newborn king and report back, under the guise of wanting to worship him too. When they didn't return, Herod realized his true intention (to eliminate a potential rival) had been discovered. The word "mocked" might suggest a sense of ridicule and a loss of face for Herod.
"...was exceedingly angry..." Herod's reaction was one of intense rage. He was a notoriously paranoid and ruthless ruler, known for eliminating anyone he perceived as a threat to his power.
"...and sent out, and killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under..." This is the core of the verse, describing the horrific act known as the "Massacre of the Innocents." Herod ordered the execution of all male infants and toddlers in and around Bethlehem.
"...according to the exact time which he had learned from the wise men." The age range of two years old and under suggests that Herod was trying to ensure that the baby Jesus, who the wise men said was recently born, would be among those killed. He likely estimated the time elapsed since the star's appearance (which prompted the wise men's journey) and used that as a guide to set the age limit.
In essence, this verse depicts a desperate and cruel act by a paranoid king to eliminate a perceived threat to his power. It highlights the dangers Jesus faced from the very beginning of his life and underscores the darkness present in the world at that time.
Important Considerations:
Historical Accuracy: The historical accuracy of the Massacre of the Innocents is debated among historians. There's no independent archaeological or historical evidence of it outside of the Gospel of Matthew. Some argue that the scale might have been exaggerated, while others argue its plausibility given Herod's character and the small size of Bethlehem.
Theological Significance: Theologically, the event is seen as fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and highlighting Jesus's role as the Messiah who would face opposition and persecution. It also serves to emphasize the sacrificial nature of Jesus's mission and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Matthew 2:16 - Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under, according to the exact time which he had learned from the wise men.
What does "Matthew 2:16" mean?
This verse from Matthew 2:16 describes a brutal act ordered by King Herod after the wise men (Magi) who came to worship the newborn Jesus did not return to tell him the child's location. Let's break down the meaning:
"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men..." Herod felt deceived or outsmarted by the Magi. He had asked them to find the newborn king and report back, under the guise of wanting to worship him too. When they didn't return, Herod realized his true intention (to eliminate a potential rival) had been discovered. The word "mocked" might suggest a sense of ridicule and a loss of face for Herod.
"...was exceedingly angry..." Herod's reaction was one of intense rage. He was a notoriously paranoid and ruthless ruler, known for eliminating anyone he perceived as a threat to his power.
"...and sent out, and killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under..." This is the core of the verse, describing the horrific act known as the "Massacre of the Innocents." Herod ordered the execution of all male infants and toddlers in and around Bethlehem.
"...according to the exact time which he had learned from the wise men." The age range of two years old and under suggests that Herod was trying to ensure that the baby Jesus, who the wise men said was recently born, would be among those killed. He likely estimated the time elapsed since the star's appearance (which prompted the wise men's journey) and used that as a guide to set the age limit.
In essence, this verse depicts a desperate and cruel act by a paranoid king to eliminate a perceived threat to his power. It highlights the dangers Jesus faced from the very beginning of his life and underscores the darkness present in the world at that time.
Important Considerations:
Historical Accuracy: The historical accuracy of the Massacre of the Innocents is debated among historians. There's no independent archaeological or historical evidence of it outside of the Gospel of Matthew. Some argue that the scale might have been exaggerated, while others argue its plausibility given Herod's character and the small size of Bethlehem.
Theological Significance: Theologically, the event is seen as fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and highlighting Jesus's role as the Messiah who would face opposition and persecution. It also serves to emphasize the sacrificial nature of Jesus's mission and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.