Matthew 2:5

KJV

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they said {G2036} unto him {G846}, In {G1722} Bethlehem {G965} of Judaea {G2449}: for {G1063} thus {G3779} it is written {G1125} by {G1223} the prophet {G4396},

Complete Jewish Bible

"In BeitLechem of Y'hudah," they replied, "because the prophet wrote,

Berean Standard Bible

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

American Standard Version

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written through the prophet,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 2:5 captures the precise moment when the chief priests and scribes, consulted by King Herod, authoritatively declare Bethlehem of Judea as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah. This verse serves as a crucial bridge, linking the Old Testament prophetic word directly to the unfolding events of Jesus' birth, underscoring the divine orchestration behind the seemingly ordinary details of His arrival. It highlights the religious leaders' accurate knowledge of scripture, even as their hearts remained hardened to its ultimate fulfillment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct response to King Herod's urgent inquiry in [Matthew 2:4](/matthew/2-4 "Matthew 2:4 - Herod Inquires of the Religious Leaders"), where he "gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, and demanded of them where Christ should be born." The preceding verses describe the arrival of the wise men from the East in [Jerusalem](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1 - The Wise Men Arrive"), seeking the newborn "King of the Jews," which greatly disturbed Herod and all Jerusalem with him ([Matthew 2:3](/matthew/2-3 "Matthew 2:3 - Herod's Disturbance")). The answer provided in [Matthew 2:5](/matthew/2-5 "Matthew 2:5 - The Prophesied Birthplace") sets the stage for the direct quotation of [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem") in [Matthew 2:6](/matthew/2-6 "Matthew 2:6 - Micah's Prophecy Quoted"), confirming Bethlehem as the Messiah's birthplace and leading to Herod's murderous plot.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During this period, Judea was under Roman rule, but Herod the Great, an Idumean king, governed with Roman backing. Herod was notoriously paranoid and ruthless, having executed members of his own family to secure his throne. The arrival of "wise men" (Magi) seeking a new king would have been perceived as a direct threat to his authority. The "chief priests and scribes" were the leading religious authorities of the Jewish people, experts in the Mosaic Law and the prophetic writings. They represented the highest echelons of Jewish scholarship and religious leadership, possessing the knowledge of scripture necessary to answer Herod's question about the Messiah's birth. Bethlehem, a small town in Judea, held historical significance as the city of David ([1_samuel/17-12](/1_samuel/17-12 "1 Samuel 17:12 - David's Bethlehem Origin")), which amplified its importance as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah, who was expected to be a descendant of David.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate and precise answer given by the religious leaders in [Matthew 2:5](/matthew/2-5 "Matthew 2:5 - The Prophesied Birthplace") powerfully illustrates the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**. God's plan, meticulously laid out centuries in advance through His prophets, is unfolding exactly as foretold, demonstrating His **Divine Sovereignty** over human history and even the actions of kings. This verse also highlights the **Authority of Scripture**; the chief priests and scribes immediately turn to the written word as the definitive source for truth regarding the Messiah's identity and origin, acknowledging its reliability as the revealed will of God. This contrasts sharply with Herod's response, who, despite receiving clear scriptural guidance, chooses a path of violence rather than worship, revealing the theme of **Rejection of the Messiah** by those in power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** From G2036, meaning to speak or say, often by word or writing. Here, it signifies the direct, authoritative declaration by the chief priests and scribes in response to Herod's inquiry, highlighting their immediate and certain knowledge derived from scripture. The verb choice indicates a clear, unequivocal statement.
* **written (Greek, _gráphō'_):** From G1125, meaning to "grave" or write. In this context, it refers to the prophetic scriptures, emphasizing that the location of the Messiah's birth was not a new revelation but a pre-established truth, recorded and preserved. The perfect passive tense, *gegraptai*, implies that the action of writing was completed in the past and its results remain in effect; it "stands written," signifying its enduring authority and certainty of fulfillment.
* **prophet (Greek, _prophḗtēs'_):** From G4396, denoting a foreteller or inspired speaker. This term underscores the divine origin and authority of the Old Testament prediction, attributing the prophecy directly to God's chosen messenger. It emphasizes that the information is not human speculation but divinely revealed truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said unto him,"**: This phrase introduces the direct response of the chief priests and scribes to King Herod's demand. It highlights their role as the authoritative interpreters of Jewish law and prophecy, capable of providing the precise answer Herod sought regarding the Messiah's birthplace. Their immediate and unanimous reply indicates a well-known and accepted prophetic tradition.
* **"In Bethlehem of Judaea:"**: This is the core of their answer, pinpointing the exact geographical location. Bethlehem, a small town, is specified further as "of Judaea" to distinguish it from any other place with a similar name. This detail is crucial for the fulfillment of prophecy and for subsequent events in the narrative.
* **"for thus it is written by the prophet,"**: This clause provides the justification and authority for their answer. They do not offer an opinion or a guess, but a declaration grounded in the inspired word of God. The phrase "thus it is written" (Greek: *hoútō gegraptai*) is a formulaic expression used to introduce a scriptural quotation, affirming the divine origin and immutable truth of the prophecy. It establishes the Old Testament as the ultimate authority for understanding the Messiah's coming.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as the religious leaders' answer directly points to an Old Testament prediction concerning the Messiah's birthplace. This device is central to Matthew's gospel, which frequently demonstrates how Jesus' life and ministry align with ancient prophecies. There is also an implied **Direct Quotation**, as the phrase "for thus it is written by the prophet" immediately precedes the explicit citation of [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem") in the following verse, [Matthew 2:6](/matthew/2-6 "Matthew 2:6 - Micah's Prophecy Quoted"). This sets up the expectation for the reader to recognize the scriptural basis. Furthermore, the **Grammatical Emphasis** of the Greek perfect passive verb *gegraptai* ("it is written" or "it stands written") highlights the enduring authority and completed nature of the prophecy. It's not merely that something *was* written, but that it *remains* written and is therefore eternally valid and certain to come to pass. This subtle linguistic detail reinforces the immutability of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 2:5 profoundly underscores God's meticulous plan for redemption, demonstrating that the birth of Jesus was not a random event but the precise fulfillment of divine prophecy. The religious leaders' ability to immediately identify Bethlehem based on scripture highlights the accessibility and clarity of God's revealed word concerning His Messiah. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the reliability and authority of the Old Testament, showing that centuries before Christ's advent, God had already laid out the blueprint for His Son's arrival, down to the very town of His birth. It reinforces the theme of God's sovereign control over history, ensuring that His purposes are perfectly executed, regardless of human intentions or political machinations.

* [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem's Ruler")
* [Luke 2:4-7](/luke/2-4-7 "Luke 2:4-7 - The Journey to Bethlehem and Jesus' Birth")
* [John 7:42](/john/7-42 "John 7:42 - Debate about the Messiah's Origin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 2:5 reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail and unwavering faithfulness. Just as He precisely orchestrated the birthplace of His Son to fulfill ancient prophecy, so too can we trust that His promises concerning our lives and His ultimate plan for the world will come to pass. This verse challenges us to engage deeply with Scripture, not just as a historical text, but as the living, active word of God that reveals His character, His purposes, and His Son. The religious leaders, despite their knowledge, failed to embrace the Messiah when He arrived. This serves as a cautionary tale: it is not enough to merely know the facts of scripture; we must also respond in faith and worship to the truths it reveals. Our understanding of God's word should lead us to a deeper trust in His sovereignty and a more profound commitment to His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birth strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain?**
* **What is the difference between merely knowing biblical facts and truly embracing the truths they reveal in a way that transforms your life?**

### FAQ

**Who were "they" who answered Herod in Matthew 2:5?**

Answer: "They" refers to the chief priests and scribes of the Jewish people, whom King Herod had gathered together in [Matthew 2:4](/matthew/2-4 "Matthew 2:4 - Herod's Inquiry"). These were the leading religious authorities and scholars of the Law and the Prophets, highly knowledgeable in the scriptures concerning the Messiah. Herod consulted them because they were the recognized experts on such matters within the Jewish community.

**Why was Bethlehem of Judaea the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah?**

Answer: Bethlehem was significant primarily because it was the ancestral home of King David ([1_samuel/17-12](/1_samuel/17-12 "1 Samuel 17:12 - David's Origin in Bethlehem")), and the Messiah was prophesied to be a descendant of David ([jeremiah/23-5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5 - The Righteous Branch of David")). The specific prophecy identifying Bethlehem as the Messiah's birthplace is found in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem"), which is directly quoted by the religious leaders in [Matthew 2:6](/matthew/2-6 "Matthew 2:6 - Micah's Prophecy Quoted"). This prophecy underscored Bethlehem's humble origins contrasting with the greatness of the ruler who would emerge from it.

**What specific prophecy is being referenced by "thus it is written by the prophet"?**

Answer: The specific prophecy being referenced is from [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem"), which is fully quoted in the very next verse, [Matthew 2:6](/matthew/2-6 "Matthew 2:6 - Micah's Prophecy Quoted"): "And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel." This prophecy, written centuries before Jesus' birth, precisely foretold the small town from which the great Shepherd-King of Israel would come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 2:5 is a profound declaration of Christ's identity as the prophesied Messiah, the fulfillment of God's ancient promises. The chief priests and scribes, by pointing to Bethlehem, unwittingly confirm that Jesus, born in that very town, is the "Governor that shall rule my people Israel" ([Matthew 2:6](/matthew/2-6 "Matthew 2:6 - Micah's Prophecy Quoted")). This seemingly simple geographical detail underscores the divine precision with which God orchestrates His redemptive plan, ensuring that every prophecy concerning His Son is meticulously fulfilled. Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the city of David, establishes His legitimate claim to the Davidic throne, fulfilling the covenant God made with David in [2_samuel/7-12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David"). He is the true King, not merely a political ruler like Herod, but the Shepherd of God's people, who would ultimately lay down His life for His flock ([john/10-11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")). Thus, Matthew 2:5 is not just about a location; it is a foundational statement about who Jesus is: the long-awaited Son of David, the promised Messiah, whose very birth in Bethlehem testifies to His divine origin and His ultimate mission to save His people from their sins ([matthew/1-21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")).

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

John 7:42

Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

Ruth 1:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

1 Samuel 16:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

Ruth 2:4

¶ And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD [be] with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.

Ruth 4:11

And all the people that [were] in the gate, and the elders, said, [We are] witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:

Ruth 1:19

¶ So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, [Is] this Naomi?

Joshua 19:15

And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages.