Matthew 2:7

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Matthew 2:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and learned from them the exact time the star had appeared.

King James Version KJV

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

American Standard Version ASV

Then Herod privily called the Wise-men, and learned of them exactly what time the star appeared.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Herod sent for the wise men privately, and put questions to them about what time the star had been seen.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then Herod called the wise men and met with them in private and found out from them exactly when the star appeared.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Herod priuily called the Wisemen, and diligently inquired of them the time of the starre that appeared,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Then Herod, privately having called the mages, did inquire exactly from them the time of the appearing star,

World English Bible WEB

Then Herod secretly called the wise men, and learned from them exactly what time the star appeared.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then Herod, when he had privately called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them;

Translation for Translators T4T

Then King Herod secretly summoned those men who studied the stars. He asked them exactly when the star first appeared. By what they told him, he was able to know the approximate age of the baby.

Plain English Version PEV

So Herod sent for those wise men to come and meet him, but he didn’t tell anyone else about the meeting. He asked them, “When did you first see that star?”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 2:7

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Matthew 2:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK τοτε ηρωδης λαθρα καλεσας τους μαγους ηκριβωσεν παρ αυτων τον χρονον του φαινομενου αστερος

τοτε tote G5119 then Adv

ηρωδης Hērōdēs G2264 Herod Noun-NSM

λαθρα lathra G2977 quietly Adv

καλεσας kaleō G2564 to call: call Verb-AAP-NSM

τους ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APM

μαγους magos G3097 sage Noun-APM

ηκριβωσεν akriboō G198 be exactly Verb-AAI-3S

παρ para G3844 from/with/beside Prep

αυτων autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GPM

τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM

χρονον chronos G5550 time Noun-ASM

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSM

φαινομενου phainō G5316 to shine/appear Verb-PEP-GSM

αστερος astēr G792 star Noun-GSM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 2:7

τοτε tote G5119 "then" Adv

The Greek word for then, used to describe a specific point in time, as seen in Matthew 2:17 and Galatians 4:8. It can refer to concurrent or consequent events, and is often used to introduce a new action or event.

Definition: τότε, demonstr. adv. of time, correlat. of ὅτε, then, at that time; __(a) of concurrent events: Mat.2:17 3:5 and freq., Rom.6:21; before ptcp., Mat.2:16, Gal.4:8; opposite to νῦν, Gal.4:29, Heb.12:26; ὁ τ. κόσμος, 2Pe.3:6; __(b) of consequent events, then, thereupon: Mat.2:7 3:5 4:1 and freq., Luk.11:26; τ. οὖν, Jhn.11:14 19:1, 16 20:8; εὐθέως τ., Act.17:14; ὅτε . . . τ., Mat.13:26 21:1, Jhn.12:16; ἀπὸ τ., Mat.4:17 16:21 26:16, Luk.16:16; __(with) of things future: Mat.24:28, 40 25:1, 31ff.; opposite to ἄρτι, 1Co.13:12; καὶ τ., Mat.7:23, Mrk.13:21, Luk.21:27, 1Co.4:5, al.; ὅταν . . . τ., Mat.9:15, Mrk.2:20, Luk.5:35, 1Th.5:3, al. (more frequently in Mt than in the rest of the NT). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 156 NT verses. KJV: that time, then See also: 1 Corinthians 4:5; Matthew 7:5; Hebrews 10:7.

ηρωδης Hērōdēs G2264 "Herod" Noun-NSM

Herod refers to four Jewish kings, including Herod the Great, who appears in Matthew 2:1-23 and Acts 23:35. The name means heroic and is associated with the Herod dynasty. Herod Antipas and Herod Agrippa I are also mentioned in the Bible.

Definition: Ἡρῴδης (Rec. -ώδης), -ου, ὁ Herod; __1. Herod the Great: Mat.2:1-23, Act.23:35. __2. Herod Antipas (ὁ τετραάρχης, Mat.14:1): Mat.14:1, 3 14:6, Mrk.6:1-56, Mrk.8:15, Luk.1:5 3:1, 19 8:3 9:7, 9 13:31, 23, Act.4:27 13:1. __3. Herod Agrippa I: Act.12:1, 6 12:11, 19 12:21 (cf. Ἀγρίππας (II)).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 41 NT verses. KJV: Herod See also: Acts 4:27; Luke 23:15; Matthew 14:6.

λαθρα lathra G2977 "quietly" Adv

This word means doing something quietly or secretly, like when Joseph planned to divorce Mary privately in Matthew 1:19.

Definition: λάθρᾳ (Att..; in Hom., -ρῃ, Rec. -ρα), adv., [in LXX chiefly for ‎סֵתֶר ;] secretly: Mat.1:19 2:7, Mrk.5:33 (WH, mg.), Jhn.11:28, Act.16:37.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: privily, secretly See also: Acts 16:37; Matthew 1:19; Matthew 2:7.

καλεσας kaleō G2564 "to call: call" Verb-AAP-NSM

This word means to call or invite someone, like calling out to them loudly. It's used in Matthew 20:8 and Mark 3:31 to describe calling people to come and follow. This word can also mean to invite someone to a special event or to join in something.

Definition: καλέω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for קרא ;] __1. to call, summon: with accusative of person(s), Mat.20:8 25:14, Mrk.3:31, Luk.19:13, Act.4:18; before ἐκ, Mat.2:15 (LXX); metaphorically, 1Pe.2:9. __2. to call to one's house, invite: Luk.14:16, 1Co.10:27, Rev.19:9; εἰς τ. γάμους, Mat.22:3, 9 Luk.14:8, 9 Jhn.2:2; ὁ καλέσας, Luk.7:39; οἱ κεκλημένοι, Mat.22:8; metaphorically, of inviting to partake of the blessings of the kingdom of God (Dalman, Words, 118f.): Rom.8:30 9:24, 25 1Co.7:17, 18; before εἰς, 1Co.1:9, 1Th.2:12, 1Ti.6:12; ὁ καλῶν (καλέσας), of God, Gal.1:6 5:8, 1Th.5:24, 1Pe.1:15, 2Pe.1:3; οἱ κεκλκλημένοι, Heb.9:15; before ἐν (ἐπί), 1Co.7:15, Gal.5:13, Eph.4:4, 1Th.4:7; κλήσει, Eph.4:1, 2Ti.1:9. __3. to call, name call by name: pass., Mat.2:23, Luk.1:32, al.; καλούμενος, Luk.7:11, Act.7:58, al.; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 210), Luk.6:15 22:3 23:33, Act.10:1, Rev.12:9, al.; with pred nom., Mat.5:9, Luk.1:35, Rom.9:26, Jas.2:23, 1Jn.3:1. (Cf. ἀντι-, ἐν-, εἰσ- (-μαι), ἐπι-, μετα-, παρα-, συν-παρα-, προ-, προσ-, συν-καλέω.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 138 NT verses. KJV: bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-)name (was (called)) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; Luke 2:23; 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.

μαγους magos G3097 "sage" Noun-APM

A Magian was a wise man or magician from a Median tribe, known for their scientific knowledge and spiritual practices, as seen in Matthew 2:1 where they visited Jesus.

Definition: μάγος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX for אַשָּׁף, Dan LXX TH Dan.2:2, 10, al. (cf. chief magian, Jer.39:3, 13) ;] __1. one of the Μάγοι, a Median tribe (Hat). __2. a Magian, one of a sacred caste, originally Median, who seem to have conformed to the Persian religion, while retaining some of their old beliefs (see DB, I vol., 565 f.; DB, iii, 203 ff.): Mat.2:1, 7 2:16 __3. a wizard, sorcerer: Act.13:6, 8 (cf. Wis.17:7, Act.8:9; ?Act.8:1).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: sorcerer, wise man See also: Acts 13:6; Matthew 2:1; Matthew 2:16.

ηκριβωσεν akriboō G198 "be exactly" Verb-AAI-3S

To carefully find out or learn something, like the Magi in Matthew 2:7 who enquired about the newborn king.

Definition: ἀκριβόω, -ῶ (ἀκριβής), [in Aq.: Isa.30:8 49:16 * ;] to enquire with exactness, learn carefully: Mat.2:7, 16 (for similar ex., see MM, VGT, sv.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: enquire diligently See also: Matthew 2:7; Matthew 2:16.

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.

τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM

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.

χρονον chronos G5550 "time" Noun-ASM

Time refers to a period or interval, as seen in Matthew 2:7 and Acts 3:21. It can be long or short, and is often used to describe a season or space of time. The Bible uses this word to talk about God's timing and plan.

Definition: χρόνος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for יוֹם, also for עֵת, etc. ;] time (a space of time, whether long or short; cf. Lft., Notes, 70): Mat.2:7, Mrk.9:21, Luk.1:57, Act.3:21 7:17, 23 13:18 17:30 27:9, Heb.11:32, 1Pe.1:17 4:3, Rev.10:6; στιγμὴ χρόνου, Luk.4:5; πλήρωμα τοῦ χ., Gal.4:4; ποιεῖν χ., Act.15:33 18:23; βιῶσαι, 1Pe.4:2; διδόναι, Rev.2:21; pl., χ. καὶ (ἢ) καιροί (Lft., l.with), Act.1:7, 1Th.5:1; ἐπ᾽ ἐσχάτου τῶν χ. (χρόνου), 1Pe.1:20, Ju 18; with prep., ἄχρι, Act.3:21; διὰ τὸν χ., Heb.5:12; ἐν χ., Act.1:6, 21; ἐπὶ (πλείονα) χ., Luk.18:4, Act.18:20; ἐφ᾽ ὅσον χ., Rom.7:1, 1Co.7:39, Gal.4:1; κατὰ τὸν χ., Mat.2:16; μετὰ τολὺν (τοσοῦτον) χ., Mat.25:19, Heb.4:7; πρὸ χ. αἰωςίων, 2Ti.1:9, Tit.1:2, instr. dative of extension of time (see M, Pr., 75, 148; Deiss., LAE, 206), Luk.8:27, 29 Jhn.14:9, Act.8:11, Rom.16:25; accusative, of duration of time, Mrk.2:19, Luk.20:9, Jhn.5:6 7:33 12:35 14:9, Act.14:3, 28 19:22 20:18, 1Co.16:7, Rev.6:11.† SYN.: see: καιρός (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 53 NT verses. KJV: + years old, season, space, (X often-)time(-s), (a) while See also: 1 Corinthians 7:39; Galatians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:17.

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.

φαινομενου phainō G5316 "to shine/appear" Verb-PEP-GSM

This word means to shine or appear, and can be used literally or figuratively, as in John 1:5 and 2 Peter 1:19. It can also mean to bring something to light or make it visible, like in Matthew 2:7 and Hebrews 11:3.

Definition: φαίνω [in LXX for אוֹר hi., רָאָה ni., etc. ;] __I. Act., __1. to bring to light, cause to appear (so most frequently in cl.). __2. Absol., to give light, shine (Hom., Plat., al.): Jhn.1:5 5:35, 2Pe.1:19, 1Jn.2:8, Rev.1:16 8:12 18:23 21:23. __II. Pass., to come to light, appear, be manifest: Mat.2:7 13:26 24:27, 30, Luk.9:8, Php.2:15, Heb.11:3, 1Pe.4:18" (LXX) ; opposite to ἀφανίζεσθαι, Jhn.4:14; with dative of person(s) (Bl. § 54, 4), Mat.1:20 2:13, 19 Mrk.16:9; with nom. pred., Mat.23:27-28, Rom.7:13, 2Co.13:7; id. with dative of person(s), Mat.6:5, 16 6:18 (before nom. ptcp., but not as in cl.; see Bl., § 73, 4); impers., Mat.9:33; of the mind and judgment (= δοκεῖ, which see), Mrk.14:64 (cf. I Est.2:21), Luk.24:11.† SYN.: see: δοκέω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 31 NT verses. KJV: appear, seem, be seen, shine, X think See also: 1 John 2:8; Matthew 2:19; 1 Peter 4:18.

αστερος astēr G792 "star" Noun-GSM

This word refers to a literal star in the sky, like in Matthew 2:2, or a figurative star, as in Revelation 2:28 and 22:16, symbolizing Jesus or angels.

Definition: ἀστήρ, -έρος, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for כּוֹכָב ;] a star: Mat.2:2, 7-10 :, Mrk.13:25, 1Co.15:41, Rev.6:13 8:10-12 9:1 12:1, 4; metaphorically, ὁ ἀ. ὁ πρωϊνός Rev.2:28 22:16; ἀ. πλαῆται, Ju 13; ἀ. ἑπτά, symbolizing the angels of the seven churches, Rev.1:16, 20 2:1 3:1 (cf. ἄστρον, and see DCG, ii, 674 f.; MM, see word).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: star See also: 1 Corinthians 15:41; Revelation 2:1; Revelation 1:16.

Study Notes — Matthew 2:7

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Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 2:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 2:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 2:7
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 2:7
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 2:7
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 2:7
Barnes' Notes on Matthew 2:7
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 2:7
Sermons on Matthew 2:7

Context — The Pilgrimage of the Magi

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.’ ”

7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and learned from them the exact time the star had appeared.

8And sending them to Bethlehem, he said: “Go and search carefully for the Child, and when you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.” 9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the Child was.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 1:10	Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country. ”
2	1 Samuel 18:21	“I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.”
3	Psalms 55:21	His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.
4	Revelation 12:1–5	And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed in the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and crying out in the pain and agony of giving birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, tossing them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child as soon as she gave birth. And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was caught up to God and to His throne.
5	Psalms 10:9–10	He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. They are crushed and beaten down; the hapless fall prey to his strength.
6	Isaiah 7:5–7	For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted your ruin, saying: ‘Let us invade Judah, terrorize it, and divide it among ourselves. Then we can install the son of Tabeal over it as king.’ But this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘It will not arise; it will not happen.
7	Psalms 83:3–4	With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish, saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.”
8	Psalms 64:4–6	ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say. They devise injustice and say, “We have perfected a secret plan.” For the inner man and the heart are mysterious.
9	Ezekiel 38:10–11	This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan. You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a tranquil people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates—
10	Revelation 12:15	Then from the mouth of the serpent spewed water like a river to overtake the woman and sweep her away in the torrent.

Matthew 2:7 Summary

[In Matthew 2:7, Herod calls the Magi secretly to learn more about the star they saw, which is a sign of Jesus' birth, as seen in Numbers 24:17 and Matthew 2:2. Herod wants to know when the star appeared so he can figure out how old Jesus is and find Him. This shows that Herod is trying to get rid of Jesus, who is a threat to his power, as seen in Matthew 2:13-16. We can learn from this verse that our actions and motivations can either be selfless and seeking God's will, like the Magi, or self-centered and seeking our own power, like Herod, as seen in Matthew 6:33 and Matthew 2:1-12.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Herod call the Magi secretly in Matthew 2:7?

Herod called the Magi secretly because he wanted to know the exact time the star had appeared without alerting others to his intentions, as seen in Matthew 2:7, and this secrecy is a sign of his true motives, which are later revealed in Matthew 2:16-18, where he tries to kill Jesus.

What was Herod trying to accomplish by learning the exact time the star had appeared?

By learning the exact time the star had appeared, Herod was trying to determine the age of the Child and ultimately find and kill Him, as stated in Matthew 2:13, where an angel warns Joseph to flee to Egypt to escape Herod's wrath.

How does this verse relate to the prophecy in Micah 5:2-5?

This verse is connected to the prophecy in Micah 5:2-5, which foretells the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, and Herod's actions in Matthew 2:7 are a fulfillment of the prophecy, as he tries to eliminate the One who was born to be the ruler of Israel, as seen in Matthew 2:6.

What can we learn about Herod's character from this verse?

From this verse, we can learn that Herod was a cunning and deceitful leader who was willing to do whatever it took to maintain his power, as seen in his secret meeting with the Magi and his later actions in Matthew 2:16-18, which are similar to the actions of King Saul in 1 Samuel 18:8-11, who also tried to kill the one who was destined to replace him.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can be like the Magi, seeking Jesus with sincerity and humility, as seen in their actions in Matthew 2:1-12?
How can I apply the principle of seeking Jesus with my whole heart, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13, to my daily life and my relationship with God?
What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to maintain control or power, like Herod, and how can I surrender those areas to God, as seen in Psalm 37:5-7?
What can I learn from the example of the Magi, who were willing to take a long and difficult journey to find Jesus, and how can I apply that to my own spiritual journey, as seen in Matthew 2:1-12?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 2:7

Then Herod, when he had privately called the wise men,.... As soon as he had got the intelligence of the place of the Messiah's birth, he called, or ordered the wise men to be brought into his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 2:7

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 2:7

Herod having heard the answer of the priests and scribes, did not think fit to make any noise of it amongst the people; he knew the Jews were apt enough to rebel, and being so little a conqueror had no reason to presume much of their goodwill towards him; he therefore calls the wise men privily, and takes no notice of any King they talked of, but only inquires the time when this new star first appeared. To what end he made this inquiry may be learned from ; only that he might be able to govern himself in his bloody decree, that he might neither destroy more children than would serve his present design, nor yet leave this Child behind.

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 2:7

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. Ver. 7. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently] The children of this world are wise in their generation, but so are serpents, foxes, &c., to the which the Church’ s enemies are often compared, He thought by this means to have made all sure, but in the thing wherein he dealt proudly and politically, God was above them, as old Jethro hath it, Exodus 18:11. There is neither power nor policy against the Lord; "who ever waxed fierce against him, and prospered?" Job 9:4. ηκριβωσε. Accuravit, et omnibus nervis incubuit.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 2:7

(7) When he had privily called.—True to his nature to the last—himself probably a believer in astrology, and haunted by fears of what the star portended—the king’s next measure is to ascertain the limits of his danger. The English “what time the star appeared” is not quite accurate. Literally, the time of the star that was appearing—i.e., at what time the star, which was still visible (Matthew 2:9), had first appeared. Enquired of them diligently.—Better, ascertained exactly.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 2:7

7. inquired of them diligently] Rather, having accurately ascertained; the word is used of scientific exactness. The reason of this inquiry appears in Matthew 2:16. what time the star appeared] Literally, the time of the star which was appearing, i. e. when it first appeared and how long it would continue.

Barnes' Notes on Matthew 2:7

Privily - Secretly, privately. He did this to ascertain the time when Jesus was born. Diligently - Accurately, exactly. He took pains to learn the precise time when the star appeared.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 2:7

7. Privily — Privately, because he wished the excitement to die, and to keep the matter under his own control.

Sermons on Matthew 2:7

	Sermon	Description
	Wait Upon the Lord by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus shedding his blood as a proof of his commitment to his words. The sermon references the story of Rachel weeping fo
	Secret Faults and Presumptuous Sins by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the human tendency to be both praising and accusing God at the same time. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering our unsatisfied desire
	Are You Keeping Well by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the body as a means of communication with the outside world. He explains that while we can recognize others based on their phys
	(Genesis) Genesis 37:7-12 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the dreams of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Joseph had two dreams where his family members, including his parents and brothers, bowed dow
	Abiding in Him by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of shining forth as a Christian and being clothed with the sun. He warns against deceiving others into thinking one is a Chris
	(Revelation) Part 1 the Last Trumpet by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher begins by leading the congregation in singing the hymn "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus." He then introduces the topic of the sermon, which is the woman m
	(Revelation) Part 2 the Desolation in Isreal by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the battle between good and evil as described in the book of Revelation. He focuses on the imagery of a woman clothed with the sun and a great