Matthew 2:16

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 2:16 records the horrific response of King Herod the Great upon realizing he had been outwitted by the wise men. Enraged by their failure to return and disclose the location of the newborn "King of the Jews," Herod unleashed his tyrannical power, ordering the slaughter of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its surrounding regions, calculating the age range based on the information he had meticulously gathered from the wise men regarding the star's appearance. This brutal act, often termed the "Slaughter of the Innocents," underscores Herod's profound insecurity and the early, violent opposition faced by the infant Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a dramatic and tragic turning point in the narrative of Jesus's early life, immediately following the wise men's visit and their divinely-warned departure by an alternate route [Matthew 2:12](/matthew/2-12 "Matthew 2:12 - The Wise Men's Return"). Herod's initial feigned interest in worshiping the new king [Matthew 2:8](/matthew/2-8 "Matthew 2:8 - Herod's Deceptive Request") is exposed as a murderous plot. The wise men's obedience to God's warning directly precipitates Herod's fury and subsequent decree. Crucially, this event also directly precedes Joseph's divinely-instructed flight to Egypt with Mary and Jesus [Matthew 2:13-15](/matthew/2-13-15 "Matthew 2:13-15 - The Flight to Egypt"), ensuring the child's safety and setting the stage for the fulfillment of prophecy in the subsequent verses [Matthew 2:17-18](/matthew/2-17-18 "Matthew 2:17-18 - Fulfillment of Jeremiah's Prophecy"). The narrative highlights the stark contrast between human malice and divine providence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Herod the Great (ruled 37-4 BC) was a paranoid and ruthless ruler, notorious for his cruelty, even towards his own family members whom he suspected of treason. Appointed "King of the Jews" by Rome, he was deeply insecure about any potential rival to his throne. The news of a "king of the Jews" born in Bethlehem, even from foreign astrologers, would have immediately triggered his deep-seated fear of losing power. Bethlehem, a small town just a few miles south of Jerusalem, was significant as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem, Ephrathah"). The "two years old and under" timeframe reflects Herod's meticulous inquiry about the star's first appearance [Matthew 2:7](/matthew/2-7 "Matthew 2:7 - Herod's Secret Inquiry"), indicating a calculated attempt to ensure the infant Messiah's destruction by casting a wide net. This act was consistent with Herod's known character and the political climate of the Roman-occupied Judea.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 2:16 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it vividly portrays **Herod's Tyranny and Insecurity**, showcasing the extreme lengths to which worldly power will go to protect its perceived dominion against God's appointed King. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Opposition to Christ from Birth**, demonstrating that the arrival of God's salvation immediately provokes fierce resistance from the forces of evil, foreshadowing the rejection and suffering Jesus would endure throughout His ministry and ultimately on the cross. Thirdly, despite the tragedy, the verse implicitly emphasizes **God's Unfailing Providence and Protection**, as the infant Jesus was already safely in Egypt due to divine warning [Matthew 2:13](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - Joseph's Dream and Flight to Egypt"). Finally, this event, though horrific, serves as a direct catalyst for the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, specifically Jeremiah's lament over Rachel weeping for her children, as noted in the subsequent verses [Matthew 2:17-18](/matthew/2-17-18 "Matthew 2:17-18 - Fulfillment of Jeremiah's Prophecy") referencing [Jeremiah 31:15](/jeremiah/31-15 "Jeremiah 31:15 - Rachel Weeping for Her Children").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mocked (Greek, _empaízō'_):** G1702. From *en* and *paízō*, meaning "to jeer at, i.e., deride." Herod perceived the wise men's non-return as a personal affront, a public humiliation where he felt scorned and made a fool of. This feeling of being outwitted fueled his intense rage and desperate, violent reaction.
* **wroth (Greek, _thymóō'_):** G2373. From *thymós*, meaning "to put in a passion, i.e., enrage." The KJV's "exceeding wroth" (with G3029, *lían*, meaning "much, exceedingly") accurately conveys the intensity of Herod's anger. This was not mere displeasure but a profound, boiling fury that drove him to commit an atrocity. It speaks to an uncontrolled, violent outburst of wrath.
* **slew (Greek, _anairéō'_):** G337. From *anás* and *hairesis*, meaning "to take up, i.e., adopt; by implication, to take away (violently), i.e., abolish, murder." This verb emphasizes the violent and decisive nature of Herod's command. It was a deliberate act of murder, intended to eradicate a perceived threat to his power, highlighting the brutal reality of his reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth,"**: This opening clause establishes the catalyst for Herod's heinous act. The word "Then" (G5119, *tóte*) indicates a direct consequence of the wise men's departure. Herod's perception of being "mocked" (G1702, *empaízō*) by the wise men's failure to return as instructed, combined with his inherent paranoia, ignited an "exceeding wroth" (G3029 *lían* and G2373 *thymóō*) rage. This wrath was not simply anger but a passionate, violent fury, typical of his tyrannical character when his authority or security was challenged.
* **"and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof,"**: Driven by his uncontrollable rage, Herod immediately "sent forth" (G649, *apostéllō*) his soldiers to execute his terrible decree. The object of his fury was "all the children" (G3816, *paîs*) in Bethlehem (G965, *Bēthleém*), the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah, and "in all the coasts thereof" (G3725, *hórion*), meaning the surrounding districts or borders. This indicates a widespread, indiscriminate slaughter, targeting an entire demographic within a specific geographical area to ensure the elimination of the perceived threat.
* **"from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men."**: This final clause specifies the age range of the victims and the basis for Herod's calculation. The phrase "from two years old (G1332, *dietḗs*) and under (G2736, *kátō*)" reveals Herod's meticulous and cruel planning. He had "diligently enquired" (G198, *akribóō*) from the wise men about the precise "time" (G5550, *chrónos*) the star had first appeared (G3739, *hós*). This detail underscores his cunning and determination to eliminate any potential rival, even if it meant the massacre of innocent children, based on his precise estimation of the infant Messiah's age.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 2:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Dramatic Irony**, as Herod's meticulous plan to destroy the "King of the Jews" is ultimately thwarted by God's prior intervention, having already led Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to safety in Egypt [Matthew 2:13](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - The Flight to Egypt"). Herod's perceived triumph is, in reality, a futile act against divine will. The "Slaughter of the Innocents" itself serves as powerful **Symbolism**, representing the clash between the forces of evil (Herod's tyrannical power) and the innocent purity of God's redemptive plan. The extreme nature of Herod's "exceeding wroth" can be seen as **Hyperbole** in its emotional intensity, emphasizing the unchecked, destructive nature of human sin and paranoia when confronted by divine truth. Furthermore, this horrific event functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the intense opposition and suffering that Jesus would face throughout His life and ministry, culminating in His crucifixion, yet ultimately leading to His triumph over evil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The "Slaughter of the Innocents" in Matthew 2:16 is a stark reminder of the profound conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. Herod's desperate act of infanticide, driven by fear and a lust for power, illustrates the depth of human depravity and the violent resistance that God's redemptive plan often provokes. Theologically, it underscores that the arrival of the Messiah, the true King, would not be met with universal welcome but with fierce opposition from those whose earthly authority felt threatened. Yet, amidst this horrific tragedy, the narrative subtly reinforces God's sovereign control. Even as human wickedness reaches its nadir, God's purposes cannot be thwarted, and His protection over His Son is absolute, demonstrating that His plan unfolds precisely as foretold, even through the darkest of human actions.

* [Jeremiah 31:15](/jeremiah/31-15 "Rachel Weeping for Her Children")
* [Revelation 12:4](/revelation/12-4 "The Dragon's Attempt to Devour the Child")
* [Psalm 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "God Laughs at Earthly Rulers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 2:16, though a difficult passage, offers profound lessons for reflection and application in the life of a believer. It serves as a sobering reminder that evil is a tangible, destructive force in the world, often targeting the most vulnerable. Herod's paranoia and unchecked power illustrate the devastating consequences when human authority is wielded without moral restraint or submission to God. For us, this passage calls for a heightened awareness of spiritual opposition; just as Christ faced hostility from birth, so too may His followers encounter resistance when seeking to live out God's will. Yet, it also powerfully affirms God's unwavering sovereignty and protective care. Even in the face of unimaginable suffering and injustice, God's ultimate plan cannot be thwarted. We are called to trust in His providence, to value and protect all human life, and to stand against the forces of injustice and oppression, knowing that God is ultimately in control and will bring about His righteous kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Herod's reaction to the news of a new king challenge our own responses to perceived threats to our comfort, control, or established ways of thinking?**
* **In what ways do we see the "spirit of Herod"—paranoia, lust for power, willingness to harm the innocent—manifested in the world today, and how should believers respond to such manifestations?**
* **How does the divine protection of Jesus in this narrative, even amidst such tragedy, encourage our faith in God's sovereignty and care amidst difficult or seemingly chaotic circumstances in our own lives?**

### FAQ

**How many children were killed in the Slaughter of the Innocents?**

Answer: The Bible does not provide a specific number of children killed in Bethlehem. Matthew's account simply states "all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under." Bethlehem was a relatively small town in the first century. While some historical estimates, particularly from later traditions, have ranged into the thousands, modern scholars generally suggest that the actual number of male children under two years old in Bethlehem and its immediate vicinity would have been much smaller, likely in the dozens. The theological significance of the event lies not in the precise number, but in the horrific nature of Herod's act, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the demonstration of the world's early opposition to Christ.

**Why did God allow such a horrific event to happen?**

Answer: This is a profound theological question that touches upon the problem of evil. The Bible teaches that God is sovereign, but He also allows human beings to exercise their free will, which can lead to acts of great wickedness, as seen in Herod's case. While the suffering of the innocent is deeply distressing, the narrative in [Matthew 2](/matthew/2 "Matthew 2 - The Birth of Jesus and Herod's Plot") emphasizes God's overarching control and purpose. Even amidst this tragedy, God's plan for the Messiah's safety was already in motion [Matthew 2:13](/matthew/2-13 "Matthew 2:13 - The Flight to Egypt"), and the event itself fulfilled prophecy [Matthew 2:17-18](/matthew/2-17-18 "Matthew 2:17-18 - Fulfillment of Jeremiah's Prophecy"). The allowance of such evil highlights the reality of sin in a fallen world and underscores the desperate need for a Savior, whose ultimate victory over sin and death would bring true justice and redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "Slaughter of the Innocents" in Matthew 2:16, though a dark chapter, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Herod's desperate attempt to destroy the infant King foreshadows the world's persistent rejection and hostility towards Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, culminating in His crucifixion. The innocent children of Bethlehem, tragically sacrificed, become a poignant prefigurement of the ultimate innocent Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who would truly "take away the sin of the world" [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His escape to Egypt, divinely orchestrated, echoes Israel's exodus, but Jesus is the true and greater Israel, the Son called "out of Egypt" [Matthew 2:15](/matthew/2-15 "Matthew 2:15 - Out of Egypt I Called My Son"), fulfilling [Hosea 11:1](/hosea/11-1 "Hosea 11:1 - Out of Egypt I Called My Son"), who would lead His people out of the bondage of sin and death. Ultimately, Herod's futile rage against the Christ child underscores the impotence of worldly power against God's eternal plan. The resurrection of Jesus is the definitive triumph over all the forces of darkness and death, including the spirit of tyranny and murder embodied by Herod, demonstrating that no earthly power can thwart the purposes of the true King, who has "destroyed him who has the power of death, that is, the devil" [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death"). The conflict initiated in Bethlehem finds its resolution in Christ's ultimate victory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.