Matthew 2:4

Matthew 2:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.

King James Version KJV

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

American Standard Version ASV

And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ should be born.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he got together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, questioning them as to where the birth-place of the Christ would be.

Free Bible Version FBV

Herod summoned all the chief priests and religious teachers of the people, and asked them where the Messiah was supposed to be born.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And gathering together all the chiefe Priestes and Scribes of the people, hee asked of them, where Christ should be borne.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and having gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he was inquiring from them where the Christ is born.

World English Bible WEB

Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ would be born.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Herod gathered together all the ruling priests and men who taught the people the Jewish laws and he asked them where the prophets had predicted that the Messiah was to be born.

Plain English Version PEV

So Herod had a meeting with the bosses of the Jewish ceremonies and the Jewish law teachers, and he asked them, “Where will that baby be born? You know, the Christ, the man that God promised to send?”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 2:4

BAB

Word Study

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Matthew 2:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK και συναγαγων παντας τους αρχιερεις και γραμματεις του λαου επυνθανετο παρ αυτων που ο χριστος γενναται

και kai G2532 and Conj

συναγαγων sunagō G4863 to assemble Verb-2AAP-NSM

παντας pas G3956 all Adj-APM

τους ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APM

αρχιερεις archiereus G749 high-priest Noun-APM

και kai G2532 and Conj

γραμματεις grammateus G1122 scribe Noun-APM

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

λαου laos G2992 a people Noun-GSM

επυνθανετο punthanomai G4441 to inquire Verb-INI-3S

παρ para G3844 from/with/beside Prep

αυτων autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GPM

που pou G4226 where? Adv-I

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

χριστος Christos G5547 Christ Noun-NSM

γενναται gennaō G1080 to beget Verb-PPI-3S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 2:4

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

συναγαγων sunagō G4863 "to assemble" Verb-2AAP-NSM

This word means to gather or bring people together, as seen in Matthew 2:4 and John 11:47. It can also mean to collect or convene things, like in Luke 12:18. The Bible uses this word to describe various types of gatherings and assemblies.

Definition: συν-άγω [in LXX chiefly for אָסַף, also for קָבַץ, etc. (cf. Kennedy, Sources, 128) ;] to gather or bring together: of things, Jhn.6:12-13; before εἰς, Mat.3:12, al.; ἐκεῖ, Luk.12:18; ποῦ, Luk.12:17; συναγαγὼν πάντα (sc. εἰς ἀργύριον; see Field, Notes, 68, MM, xxiv), having sold off all: Luk.15:13; of persons, Jhn.11:52; esp. of assemblies, Mat.2:4, Jhn.11:47, Act.14:27, al. Pass., to be gathered or come together: Mat.22:41, Mrk.2:2, Luk.22:66, al.; before ἐπί Mrk.5:21, Act.4:27; πρός, Mat.13:2, Mrk.4:1, al.; εἰς, Rev.19:17; ἐν, Act.11:26; μετά, Mat.28:12; οὗ, Mat.18:20; ὅπου, Mat.26:57; ἐκεῖ, Jhn.18:2, al. In late writers (see Kennedy, Sources, 128; cf. Deu.22:2, al.), to receive hospitably, entertain: Mat.25:35, 38 25:43 (cf. ἐπι-συνάγω) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 61 NT verses. KJV: + accompany, assemble (selves, together), bestow, come together, gather (selves together, up, together), lead into, resort, take in See also: 1 Corinthians 5:4; Mark 6:30; Revelation 16:14.

παντας pas G3956 "all" Adj-APM

This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.

Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.

τους ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αρχιερεις archiereus G749 "high-priest" Noun-APM

The high-priest was a top Jewish leader, and Jesus is also called the high-priest in Hebrews 2:17 and 3:1. This term refers to the main priest in the Jewish temple. In the Bible, it is used in Mark 2:26 and 14:47.

Definition: ἀρχιερεύς, -έως, ὁ, [in LXX for כּ'' הָרֹאשׁ,כּ'' הַגָּדוֹל ,כּהֵן ;] __1. high-priest: Mrk.2:26 14:47, al.; of Christ: Heb.2:17 3:1, al. __2. In pl., chief priests, including ex-high-priests and members of high-priestly families: Mat.2:4, Mrk.8:31, al. (Cremer, 294; DCG, i, 297f.; MM, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 119 NT verses. KJV: chief (high) priest, chief of the priests See also: Acts 4:6; Luke 3:2; Hebrews 2:17.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

γραμματεις grammateus G1122 "scribe" Noun-APM

A scribe is a scholar or teacher of the law, often referring to Jewish leaders who studied and taught the scriptures, as seen in Acts 19:35 and Luke 5:17. They were experts in biblical knowledge.

Definition: γραμματεύς, -έως (accusative pl., -εῖς, see Bl., §8, 2), ὁ (γράμμα), [in LXX always for שׁטר in Hex., elsewhere chiefly for ספר ;] __1. a secretary; γ. τ. πόλεως, a state-clerk: Act.19:35. __2. In π., of a military officer (Deiss., BS, 110f.). So Jdg.5:14, 4Ki.25:19 (ספר), al. __3. a scribe, a biblical scholar, teacher of the law (so first in I Est.8:3, II Est.7:6; in Luk.5:17, νομοδιδάσκαλος; in Luk.10:25, νομικός): Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, and frequently in Gosp. γ. καὶ ἀρχιερεῖς, Mat.2:4, and al.; γ. κ. Φαρισαῖοι, Mat.5:20, and al.; γ. μαθητευθεὶς τῇ βασιλείᾳ τ. οὐρ., Mat.13:52; ποῦ σοφός; ποῦ γ., 1Co.1:20 (Cremer, 167; DB, iv, 420, 800). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 67 NT verses. KJV: scribe, town-clerk See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20; Mark 11:27; Matthew 27:41.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

λαου laos G2992 "a people" Noun-GSM

A people refers to a group of individuals, like in Matthew 27:25 and Luke 1:21. It can also mean a specific nation or race, as in Acts 4:27. This word is used to describe a large group of people.

Definition: λαός, -οῦ, ὁ, [in LXX very frequently for עַם, Gen.14:16, al.; occasionally for לְאֹם ( Gen.25:23, al.), etc. ;] a word rarely found in Att. prose; __1. the people at large (Hom., al.), esp. of people assembled: Mat.27:25, Luk.1:21 3:15 al.; pl. (Hom., al., π.; see MM, xvi), Act.4:27. __2. a people, those of the same race and language (Pind., Æsch., al.: in LXX, Gen.26:11, Exo.9:16, al.): joined with γλῶσσα, φυλή, ἔθνος, Rev.5:9 7:9 11:9, al.; pl., Luk.2:31, Rom.15:11; esp. as almost always in LXX, of Israel, Mat.4:23, Mrk.7:6, Luk.2:10, Jhn.11:50, Heb.2:17, al.; opposite to τ. ἔθνη, Act.26:17, 23 Rom.15:10; πρεσβύτεροι (πρῶτοι, etc.) τοῦ λ., Mat.21:23, Luk.19:17, Act.4:8, al.; ὁ λ. μου (αὐτοῦ, τ. θεοῦ), Mat.2:6, Luk.1:68, Heb.11:25, al.; of the people disting. from the rulers and priests ( I Est.1:10, Jdth.8:9, al.), Mat.26:5, Luk.20:19, Heb.5:3, al.; of Christians, as the people of God, Act.15:14, Rom.9:25, 26 Heb.4:9; περιούσιος, Tit.2:14; εἰς περιποίησιν, 1Pe.2:9 (LXX). SYN.: see: δῆμος. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 138 NT verses. KJV: people See also: 1 Corinthians 10:7; Luke 1:17; 1 Peter 2:9.

επυνθανετο punthanomai G4441 "to inquire" Verb-INI-3S

To inquire means to ask questions to get information, like in John 4:42 and Acts 23:20, where people seek to learn something.

Definition: πυνθώ᾽ομαι [in LXX for דָּרַשׁ ;] __1. to inquire: with accusative of thing(s), Jhn.4:42, Act.23:20; before quæst. indir., Mat.2:4, Luk.15:25 18:36, Act.10:18 21:33; quæst. dir., Act.4:7 10:20 23:10; before παρά, with genitive of person(s), Mat.2:4, Jhn.4:52. __2. to learn by inquiry: before ὅτι, Act.23:34.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 12 NT verses. KJV: ask, demand, enquire, understand See also: Acts 4:7; Acts 23:34; Matthew 2:4.

παρ para G3844 "from/with/beside" Prep

Means 'from' or 'beside', indicating the source or origin of something, as seen in Mark 14:43 and John 15:26. It can also mean 'at' or 'in the vicinity of' something. Used to show the relationship between people or things.

Definition: παρά, prep. with genitive, dative, accusative, with radical sense, beside. __I. C. genitive of person(s), from the side of, from beside, from, indicating source or origin, [in LXX for מֵאֵצֶל ,מִיַד ,מִלִּפְנֵי ;] after verbs of motion, Mrk.14:43, Luk.8:49, Jhn.15:26, al.; after verbs of seeking, receiving, hearing, etc., Mrk.8:11 12:2, Jhn.4:9, 52 10:18, Php.4:18, 2Ti.1:18, Jas.1:7, al.; after passive verbs, of the agent (like ὑπό), Mat.21:42, Mrk.12:11, Luk.1:37; absol., οἱ παρ᾽ αὐτοῦ, his family, his kinsfolk, Mrk.3:21 (cf. M, Pr., 106f.; Field, Notes, 25f.; Swete, in l.); τὰ παρ᾽ αὐτῆς (αὐτῶν, ὑμῶν, one's means, wealth, Mrk.5:26, Luk.10:7, Php.4:18. __II. C. dative of person(s) (exc. Jhn.19:25, π. τ. σταυρῷ), by the side of, beside, by, with, [in LXX for בְּעֵינֵי ,בְּיַד ,אֵצֶל ;] Luk.11:37 19:7, Jhn.1:40 4:40, Act.28:14, al.; παρ᾽ ἑαυτῷ, at home, 1Co.16:2; with dative pl., among, Mat.22:25, Col.4:16, al.; metaphorically, Mat.19:26, Mrk.10:27, Luk.1:30, Rom.2:13, Jas.1:27, al. __III. C. accusative, of motion by or towards, [in LXX for בְּעֵבֶר ,עַל יַד ,אֵצֶל ;] __1. of place, by the side of, beside, by, along: Act.10:32, Heb.11:12; after verbs of motion, Mat.4:18, Mrk.4:4, Luk.8:5, Act.4:35, al.; after verbs of rest, Mat.13:1, Mrk.5:21, Luk.8:35, al. __2. beside, beyond, metaphorically; __(a) beyond, against, contrary to: Act.18:13, Rom.1:26 4:18 11:24, al.; except, 2Co.11:24; __(b) beyond, above, in comparison with: Luk.3:13, Rom.12:3 14:5, Heb.1:4, 9 3:3, al.; __(with) on account of: 1Co.12:15, 16. __IV. In composition: beside, to (παραλαμβάνω, παράγω), at hand (πάρειμι), from (παραρρέω), amiss (παρακούω), past (παρέρχομαι), compared with (παρομοιάζω), above measure (παροργίζω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 189 NT verses. KJV: above, against, among, at, before, by, contrary to, X friend, from, + give (such things as they), + that (she) had, X his, in, more than, nigh unto, (out) of, past, save, side…by, in the sight of, than, (there-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 3:11; John 7:51; 1 Peter 2:4.

αυτων autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-GPM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

που pou G4226 "where?" Adv-I

This Greek word means 'where' and is used to ask about a location, as seen in Matthew 2:2 and Mark 14:12. It can also indicate something is not found, like in Luke 8:25 and Romans 3:27. It's often translated as 'where' or 'whither'.

Definition: ποῦ interrog. adv., [in LXX for אַי, אַיֵּה, אָן ;] __1. prop., where?: Mat.2:2 26:17, Mrk.14:12, 14, Luk.17:17, 37 22:9, 11, Jhn.1:39 7:11 8:10, 19 9:12 11:34; ποῦ (ἐστιν), indicating that the subject in question is not to be found, Luk.8:25, Rom.3:27, 1Co.1:20 12:17 12:19 15:55, Gal.4:15, 2Pe.3:4; ποῦ φανεῖται, 1Pe.4:18. __2. = ὅπου (WM, 640; B1., § 50, 5): with indic., Mat.2:4, Mrk.15:47, Jhn.1:40 11:57 20:2, 13 20:15 Rev.2:13; with subjc., Mat.8:20, Luk.9:58 12:17. __3. In colloq. (as in Eng.) = ποῖ, whither: in direct questions, Jhn.7:35 9:12 13:36 16:5; in indir. quest., Jhn.3:8 8:14 12:35 14:5, Heb.11:8, 1Jn.2:11.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 39 NT verses. KJV: where, whither See also: 1 Corinthians 1:20; John 14:5; 1 Peter 4:18.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

χριστος Christos G5547 "Christ" Noun-NSM

Christ means anointed, referring to Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in Luke 2:11 and John 1:41.

Definition: χριστός (Χρ-), -ή, -όν (χρίω), [in LXX for מָשִׁיחַ and cogn. forms ;] __1. 1. as adj., __(a) of things, anointing, to be used as ointment (Æsch., Eur., al.; τ. ἔλαιον τὸ χ., Lev.21:10); __(b) of persons, anointed (ὁ ἰερεὺς ὁ χ., Lev.4:5; οἱ χ. ἰευρεῖς, 2Ma.1:10): ὁ χ. τοῦ κυρίου or Θεοῦ (1Ki.2:10, Psa.2:2, al.), of the Messiah (Aram., מְשִׁיחָא; cf. Dalman, Words, 289 ff.), Luk.2:11, 26 Jhn.1:41, Act.2:36 4:26, al. __2. As subst., ὁ Χριστός, the Messiah, the Christ: Mat.2:4, Mrk.8:29, Luk.2:11, Jhn.1:20, Act.2:31, Rom.7:4, al.; Ἰησοῦς, Mrk.1:1, Jhn.1:17, Act.2:38, al.; Χ. Ἰησοῦς, Mat.1:18, WH, mg. Act.5:42, Rom.6:3, al.; Χ. κύριος, Luk.2:11; Ἰησοῦς Χ. ὁ κύριος, Act.15:26, Rom.1:7, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 525 NT verses. KJV: Christ See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

γενναται gennaō G1080 "to beget" Verb-PPI-3S

To beget means to produce or create offspring, and is used to describe the father or mother of a child. It can also mean to regenerate or be born again, as seen in Matthew and Luke.

Definition: γεννάω, -ῶ (γέννα, poët. for γένος), [in LXX chiefly for ילד ;] __1. of the father, to beget: with accusative, Mat.1:1-16, Act.7:8, 29; before ἐκ, Mat.1:3, 5, 6. __2. Of the mother, to bring forth, bear: Luk.1:13, 57 23:29, Jhn.16:21; εἰς δουλείαν, Gal.4:24. Pass. __(1) to be begotten: Mat.1:20; __(2) to be born: Mat.2:1, 4 19:12 26:24, Mrk.14:21, Luk.1:35, Jhn.3:4, Act.7:20, Rom.9:11, Heb.11:23; before εἰς, Jhn.16:21 18:37, 2Pe.2:12; ἐν, Act.2:8 22:3, (ἁμαρτίαις), Jhn.9:34; ἀπό, Heb.11:12 (WH, mg., ἐγεν-); ἐκ, Jhn.1:13 3:6 8:41; with adj., τυφλὸς γ., Jhn.9:2; [Ῥωμαῖος ], Act.22:28; κατὰ σάρκα: κ. πνεῦμα: Gal.4:29. Metaphorical; μάχας, 2Ti.2:23; ὑμᾶς ἐγέννησα, 1Co.4:15, (ὅν), Phm 10; in quotation, Psa.2:7 (LXX), Act.13:33, Heb.1:5 5:5; of Christians as begotten of God, born again: Jhn.1:13 3:3, 5-8, 1Jn.2:29 3:9 4:7 5:1, 4, 18 (cf. ἀνα-γεννάω); (Cremer, 146). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 64 NT verses. KJV: bear, beget, be born, bring forth, conceive, be delivered of, gender, make, spring See also: 1 Corinthians 4:15; John 9:20; Hebrews 1:5.

Study Notes — Matthew 2:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Matthew 2:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 2:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 2:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 2:4
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 2:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 2:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 2:4
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 2:4
Barnes' Notes on Matthew 2:4
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 2:4
Sermons on Matthew 2:4

Context — The Pilgrimage of the Magi

2asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

4And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.

5“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’ ”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Matthew 21:23	When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?”
2	Matthew 7:29	because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
3	Acts 6:12	So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin,
4	Acts 23:9	A great clamor arose, and some scribes from the party of the Pharisees got up and contended sharply, “We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”
5	Jeremiah 8:8	How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the Law of the LORD is with us,’ when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception?
6	John 8:3	The scribes and Pharisees, however, brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before them
7	Luke 23:10	Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him.
8	John 18:3	So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.
9	Acts 4:5	The next day the rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem,
10	John 7:32	When the Pharisees heard the crowd whispering these things about Jesus, they and the chief priests sent officers to arrest Him.

Matthew 2:4 Summary

In this verse, King Herod asks the chief priests and scribes where the Christ was to be born, showing that he was trying to understand the prophecy surrounding Jesus' birth. This verse teaches us that Jesus' birth was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, such as Micah 5:2-4, and that seeking God's will and plan is more important than seeking power or control, as seen in Matthew 2:2-3. By studying Scripture, like the chief priests and scribes, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's plan and point others to Jesus. Just like the Magi, we can worship Jesus and seek His will for our lives, as noted in Matthew 2:2, and Matthew 2:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King Herod assemble the chief priests and scribes to ask about the birthplace of the Christ?

King Herod assembled the chief priests and scribes to ask about the birthplace of the Christ because he was trying to verify the information given by the Magi, as seen in Matthew 2:2, and to potentially eliminate the perceived threat to his power, as noted in Matthew 2:3.

What role did the chief priests and scribes play in this scene?

The chief priests and scribes played a crucial role in this scene as they provided the answer to King Herod's question about the birthplace of the Christ, referencing the prophet's words in Matthew 2:5-6, which is a quote from Micah 5:2-4, highlighting their knowledge of Scripture.

How does this verse show the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birth?

This verse shows the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birth as the chief priests and scribes reference the prophet's words, which were written centuries before Jesus' birth, as seen in Matthew 2:5-6, demonstrating how Jesus' birth was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, such as Micah 5:2-4.

What can we learn from King Herod's actions in this verse?

We can learn from King Herod's actions that a desire for power and control can lead to a rejection of God's plan, as seen in Matthew 2:3, and that true wisdom and knowledge come from seeking God's will, as demonstrated by the Magi in Matthew 2:2, who sought to worship Jesus.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can seek God's will, like the Magi, and worship Him with my life?
How can I, like the chief priests and scribes, use my knowledge of Scripture to point others to Jesus?
What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to control or manipulate circumstances, like King Herod, and how can I surrender those areas to God?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and seeking God's plan, rather than my own?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 2:4

And when he had gathered all the chief priests,.... Here we have an account of Herod's conduct at this juncture; he calls a council, assembles the sanhedrim, gathers together the more learned persons

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 2:4

In this perplexity the king Herod calleth a synod or convocation, which was made up of the chief priests and scribes; the single question which he propounds to them was to resolve him where Christ should be born. It is most likely this was an extraordinary convention of such of these persons as the king thought fit, who were best skilled in the law, and other revelations of holy writ, not any orderly meeting of the sanhedrim; for the question propounded to them was of mere ecclesiastical concern, and to be resolved from the prophecies and writings of the Old Testament. The stating of the question to them, not where the King of the Jews, but where Christ should be born, makes it manifest, that although (that we read of) the wise men said nothing of Christ, yet Herod presently conceived that this King of the Jews, that was born, must be the Messiah prophesied of and in ; he therefore desired to know of them the place in which, according to their received tradition, and sense of the prophecies of holy writ, the Messiah whom they expected (that is, Christ) should be born.

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 2:4

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. Ver. 4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests] The true picture of Popish councils, who propound grave questions as this was, Where Christ should be born? and pretend to worship Christ, but intend to worry him: the Council of Trent was carried, against the simplicity of Christ, with such infinite guile and craft, as that themselves will even smile in the twiumphs of their own wits (when they hear it but mentioned) as at a master stratagem. It passed in France in manner of a proverb, That the modern council had more authority than that of the apostles, because their own pleasure was a sufficient ground for the decrees, without admitting the Holy Ghost. (Hist. of Council of Trent.)

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 2:4

(4) The chief priests and scribes.—The chief priests were probably the heads of the twenty-four courses into which the sons of Aaron were divided (2 Chronicles 23:8; Luke 1:5), but the term may have included those who had, though only for a time, held the office of high priest. The “scribes” were the interpreters of the Law, casuists and collectors of the traditions of the Elders, for the most part Pharisees. The meeting thus convened was not necessarily a formal meeting of the Sanhedrim or Great Council, and may have been only as a Committee of Notables called together for a special purpose. With a characteristic subtlety, as if trying to gauge the strength of their Messianic hopes, Herod acts as if he himself shared them, and asks where the Christ, the expected Messiah, the “anointed” of the Lord (Psalms 2:2; Psalms 45:7; Psalms 89:20) was to be born.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 2:4

Verse 4. The chief priests] Not only the high priest for the time being, called כהן הראש cohen ha-rosh, 2Kg 25:18, and his deputy, called כהן משנה cohen mishneh, with those who had formerly borne the high priest's office; but also, the chiefs or heads of the twenty four sacerdotal families, which David distributed into so many courses, 1 Chronicles 24. These latter are styled סרי הכהנים sarey ha-cohanim, chief of the priests, 2 Chronicles 36:14; Ezra 8:24; and ראשי הכהנים roshey ha-cohanim, heads of the priests, Ne 12:7. Josephus calls them by the same name as the writers of the New Testament. In his Life, sect. 8, he mentions πολλους - τωναρχιερεων, MANY of the chief priests. The word is used in the singular in this last sense, for a chief of the priests, Acts 19:14. Scribes] The word γραμματευς, in the Septuagint, is used for a political officer, whose business it was to assist kings and civil magistrates, and to keep an account in writing of public acts and occurrences. Such an officer is called in Hebrew ספר המלך seper hamelech, ὁγραμματευςτουβασιλεως, the king's scribe, or secretary. See LXX. 2Kg 12:10. The word is often used by the LXX. for a man of learning, especially for one skilled in the Mosaic law: and, in the same sense, it is used by the New Testament writers. γραμματευς is therefore to be understood as always implying a man of letters, or learning, capable of instructing the people. The derivation of the names proves this to be the genuine meaning of the word γραμμα: a letter, or character, in writing: or γραμματα, letters, learning, erudition, and especially that gained from books. The Hebrew ספר or סופר sopher, from saphar, to tell, count, cypher, signifies both a book, volume, roll, c., and a notary, recorder, or historian and always signifies a man of learning. We often term such a person a man of letters. The word is used Acts 19:35, for a civil magistrate at Ephesus, probably such a one as we would term recorder. It appears that Herod at this time gathered the whole Sanhedrin, in order to get the fullest information on a subject by which all his jealous fears had been alarmed.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 2:4

4. gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together] i. e. summoned a meeting of the Sanhedrin, a body often indicated in this way. Others contend that this was an irregular meeting of all the chief priests and learned men. The chief priests were those who had served the office of high priest, and also the heads of the courses into which the priests were divided. Scribes were those who transcribed or copied the law and who expounded it. They are called lawyers in St Luke’s gospel. where Christ should be born] Lit. where the Christ or Messiah is born. Where do your sacred writings represent him to be born? For a similar use of the indicative cp. John 7:52.

Barnes' Notes on Matthew 2:4

The chief priests - By the chief priests here are meant not only the high priest and his deputy, but.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 2:4

4. All the chief priests and scribes — The deep alarm of Herod is manifested by the greatness of the convocation he calls.

Sermons on Matthew 2:4

	Sermon	Description
	A Bad Family Tree by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the reason why Jesus had to come. He highlights the guilt and shame that sin brings and uses the story of Tamar
	Homily 7 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches on the significance of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, emphasizing how even the enemies of the truth unwittingly contributed to the fulfillment
	Palm Sunday by Jacob Prasch	The video discusses the events of Palm Sunday, specifically focusing on Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. It highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and the significance of Jesus being h
	(Through the Bible) Luke 20-21 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses a parable about a vineyard and its significance in relation to the nation of Israel. The parable tells the story of a vineyard owner who send
	Matthew 21:23-32. the Elders Question Christ Concerning His Authority. by Favell Lee Mortimer	Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the last two days of Jesus' public ministry, highlighting the profound conversations and warnings He shared with His disciples. Despite the enemies'
	The Parable of the Two Sons and the Unfaithful Husbandmen Matt. 21:23-46 by R.A. Torrey	R.A. Torrey explores the Parable of the Two Sons and the Unfaithful Husbandmen, emphasizing the authority of Jesus and the response of the Jewish rulers. He illustrates the contras
	The World's Need by Catherine Booth	Catherine Booth preaches about the fundamental principle in the New Testament that God's light and grace are meant to be shared with others, emphasizing the aggressive nature of re