Key Verse Spotlight
Matthew 2:16 — Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing—and how to apply it today
King James Version
" 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. "
Matthew 2:16
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
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.
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
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.
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From This Chapter
Matthew 2:1
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,"
Matthew 2:2
"Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
Matthew 2:3
"When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him."
Matthew 2:4
"And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born."
Matthew 2:5
"And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,"
Matthew 2:6
"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."
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