Matthew 2:16

¶ 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 {G5119} Herod {G2264}, when he saw {G1492} that {G3754} he was mocked {G1702} of {G5259} the wise men {G3097}, was exceeding {G3029} wroth {G2373}, and {G2532} sent forth {G649}, and slew {G337} all {G3956} the children {G3816} that were in {G1722} Bethlehem {G965}, and {G2532} in {G1722} all {G3956} the coasts {G3725} thereof {G846}, from {G575} two years old {G1332} and {G2532} under {G2736}, according {G2596} to the time {G5550} which {G3739} he had diligently enquired {G198} of {G3844} the wise men {G3097}.

Meanwhile, when Herod realized that the Magi had tricked him, he was furious and gave orders to kill all the boys in and around Beit-Lechem who were two years old or less, calculating from the time the Magi had told him.

When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wise-men.

Context of Matthew 2:16

This verse describes the horrific aftermath of King Herod's failed attempt to trick the wise men (or Magi) into revealing the location of the newborn King of the Jews. Having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod (Matthew 2:12), the wise men departed for their own country by another way. Herod, a paranoid and ruthless ruler, had initially feigned interest in worshipping the child, but his true intent was to eliminate any potential rival to his throne (Matthew 2:3). When he realized he had been "mocked" or outwitted by the wise men, his fury erupted into this savage act, targeting all male children in Bethlehem and its surrounding areas, based on the timeframe he had meticulously inquired about from the wise men regarding the star's appearance (Matthew 2:7).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Herod's Tyranny and Insecurity: This act, often referred to as the "Slaughter of the Innocents," vividly portrays the extreme cruelty and paranoia of King Herod the Great. His desperate attempt to secure his earthly power by eliminating a perceived threat highlights the contrast between worldly ambition and God's divine plan.
  • The World's Opposition to Christ: From His very birth, Jesus faced intense opposition and hostility. This event foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle and the rejection Christ would face throughout His ministry, culminating in His crucifixion. It demonstrates that the presence of God's salvation often provokes fierce resistance from the forces of evil.
  • God's Unfailing Providence: Despite this terrible tragedy, God's protection over the infant Jesus was absolute. Joseph had already been warned in a dream to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13), ensuring His safety before Herod's decree was carried out. This highlights God's sovereign control even amidst human wickedness.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: While not directly stated in this verse, the slaughter of the children leads directly into the fulfillment of a prophecy from Jeremiah, as noted in the subsequent verses (Matthew 2:17-18, referencing Jeremiah 31:15). This reinforces the biblical theme that God's plan unfolds precisely as foretold, even through tragic events.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Mocked" (KJV): The Greek word is empaizo (ἐμπαίζω), which means to mock, ridicule, or deceive. Herod felt scorned and made a fool of by the wise men's failure to return, fueling his extreme anger.
  • "Exceeding wroth": The Greek phrase conveys intense, boiling anger or fury. This was not merely displeasure but a passionate, violent rage that drove him to such a heinous act.
  • "Slew": The Greek verb anairéo (ἀναιρέω) means to take up, carry off, or to kill, often in a violent or sudden manner.

Practical Application

Matthew 2:16 serves as a stark reminder of the reality of evil in the world and how it often targets the innocent. It encourages believers to:

  • Recognize Spiritual Opposition: The story illustrates that the presence of Christ and His kingdom often provokes a violent reaction from worldly powers and spiritual darkness. We should not be surprised by opposition when seeking to follow God's will.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Even in the face of unimaginable suffering, God remains in control. His purposes cannot be thwarted by human malice. This offers comfort that He works all things according to His will, even when we don't understand the immediate circumstances.
  • Value Human Life: The brutal killing of innocent children underscores the preciousness of every life and the devastating consequences of unchecked power and hatred.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 59:7

    Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts [are] thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction [are] in their paths.

  • Proverbs 28:15

    ¶ [As] a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; [so is] a wicked ruler over the poor people.

  • Daniel 3:19

    ¶ Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: [therefore] he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.

  • Daniel 3:20

    And he commanded the most mighty men that [were] in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, [and] to cast [them] into the burning fiery furnace.

  • 2 Kings 8:12

    And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.

  • Judges 16:10

    And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.

  • Genesis 49:7

    Cursed [be] their anger, for [it was] fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
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