King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
Complete Jewish Bible:
In this way were fulfilled the words spoken through the prophet Yirmeyahu,
Berean Standard Bible:
Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
American Standard Version:
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying,
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Then{G5119} was fulfilled{G4137} that which{G3588} was spoken{G4483} by{G5259} Jeremy{G2408} the prophet{G4396}, saying{G3004},
Cross-References (KJV):
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Commentary for Matthew 2:17
Matthew 2:17 states, "Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying," The verse itself is part of a longer quotation from the Old Testament, specifically Jeremiah 31:15, which is referenced to illustrate the fulfillment of prophecy in the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. The full quote, as found in the King James Version, is "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."
This verse is set within the narrative of the Massacre of the Innocents, where King Herod, in an attempt to eliminate the newborn "King of the Jews" whose birth was announced by the Magi, orders the execution of all male infants in Bethlehem under the age of two. The verse draws a parallel between the weeping mothers of Bethlehem and the biblical figure Rachel, who is depicted as weeping for her children in Jeremiah's prophecy. Rachel was a matriarch of the Israelites, and her tomb was traditionally believed to be near Bethlehem.
The historical context of Matthew 2:17 is rooted in the period following the birth of Jesus, during the reign of Herod the Great, who was known for his paranoia and ruthless efforts to maintain his power. The reference to Jeremiah's prophecy serves to connect the tragic events of the time with ancient scripture, reinforcing the idea that Jesus's birth and the events surrounding it were part of a divine plan foretold by the prophets. It also emphasizes the theme of fulfillment, a major motif in the Gospel of Matthew, which often cites Old Testament prophecies to validate Jesus's messianic identity and the significance of his life and ministry.
In summary, Matthew 2:17 is a verse that links the sorrow of the mothers in Bethlehem to the ancient prophecy of Jeremiah, highlighting the theme of prophetic fulfillment and the historical reality of the harsh and violent times into which Jesus was born. It underscores the suffering inflicted by human tyranny and the hope that Jesus represented as the promised Messiah, whose coming was accompanied by the anguish of the innocent but also by the promise of redemption and comfort.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: G5119
There are 157 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: τότε
Transliteration: tóte
Pronunciation: tot'-eh
Description: from (the neuter of) ὁ and ὅτε; the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution):--that time, then. - Strong's Number: G4137
There are 90 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: πληρόω
Transliteration: plēróō
Pronunciation: play-ro'-o
Description: from πλήρης; to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.:--accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply. - Strong's Number: G3588
There are 498 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὁ
Transliteration: ho
Pronunciation: to
Description: the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc. - Strong's Number: G4483
There are 26 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ῥέω
Transliteration: rhéō
Pronunciation: er-eh'-o
Description: ἔπωperhaps akin (or identical) with ῥέω (through the idea of pouring forth); to utter, i.e. speak or say:--command, make, say, speak (of). Compare λέγω. - Strong's Number: G5259
There are 211 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὑπό
Transliteration: hypó
Pronunciation: hoop-o'
Description: a primary preposition; under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (underneath) or where (below) or time (when (at)):--among, by, from, in, of, under, with. In the comparative, it retains the same general applications, especially of inferior position or condition, and specially, covertly or moderately. - Strong's Number: G2408
There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: Ἱερεμίας
Transliteration: Hieremías
Pronunciation: hee-er-em-ee'-as
Description: of Hebrew origin (יִרְמְיָה); Hieremias (i.e. Jermijah), an Israelite:--Jeremiah. - Strong's Number: G4396
There are 143 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: προφήτης
Transliteration: prophḗtēs
Pronunciation: prof-ay'-tace
Description: from a compound of πρό and φημί; a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet:--prophet. - Strong's Number: G3004
There are 1244 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: λέγω
Transliteration: légō
Pronunciation: leg'-o
Description: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas ἔπω and φημί generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while ῥέω is properly to break silence merely, and λαλέω means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.