Matthew 2:5 is part of the story of the Magi visiting Herod the Great in search of the newborn king of the Jews. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"They said to him..." - This refers to the chief priests and scribes, the religious experts that Herod consulted. Herod was disturbed by the Magi's question and needed to know where the Messiah was supposed to be born.
"...In Bethlehem of Judea..." - This is their answer to Herod's question. They identify Bethlehem as the predicted birthplace of the Messiah.
"...for this is written through the prophet..." - This indicates that their answer isn't based on their own opinion or tradition, but on a prophecy in the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament). Matthew then continues with a quote from the prophet Micah.
In summary, the verse means that the religious leaders told Herod that the Messiah was prophesied to be born in Bethlehem, citing a passage from a prophet as their source.
The verse is important because:
It establishes Bethlehem as the fulfillment of prophecy: It connects Jesus' birth to a pre-existing expectation of a Messiah born in Bethlehem, giving his birth a sense of divine purpose and legitimacy.
It highlights the authority of Scripture: The chief priests and scribes rely on the Hebrew Scriptures to inform their understanding of the Messiah and his birthplace.
It sets the stage for Herod's actions: This information leads Herod to order the killing of all male children in Bethlehem in an attempt to eliminate the potential Messiah.
Matthew 2:5 is part of the story of the Magi visiting Herod the Great in search of the newborn king of the Jews. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"They said to him..." - This refers to the chief priests and scribes, the religious experts that Herod consulted. Herod was disturbed by the Magi's question and needed to know where the Messiah was supposed to be born.
"...In Bethlehem of Judea..." - This is their answer to Herod's question. They identify Bethlehem as the predicted birthplace of the Messiah.
"...for this is written through the prophet..." - This indicates that their answer isn't based on their own opinion or tradition, but on a prophecy in the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament). Matthew then continues with a quote from the prophet Micah.
In summary, the verse means that the religious leaders told Herod that the Messiah was prophesied to be born in Bethlehem, citing a passage from a prophet as their source.
The verse is important because:
It establishes Bethlehem as the fulfillment of prophecy: It connects Jesus' birth to a pre-existing expectation of a Messiah born in Bethlehem, giving his birth a sense of divine purpose and legitimacy.
It highlights the authority of Scripture: The chief priests and scribes rely on the Hebrew Scriptures to inform their understanding of the Messiah and his birthplace.
It sets the stage for Herod's actions: This information leads Herod to order the killing of all male children in Bethlehem in an attempt to eliminate the potential Messiah.