Matthew 2:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} thou {G4771} Bethlehem {G965}, in the land {G1093} of Juda {G2448}, art {G1488} not {G3760} the least {G1646} among {G1722} the princes {G2232} of Juda {G2448}: for {G1063} out of {G1537} thee {G4675} shall come {G1831} a Governor {G2233}, that {G3748} shall rule {G4165} my {G3450} people {G2992} Israel {G2474}.

Complete Jewish Bible

`And you, Beit-Lechem in the land of Y'hudah, are by no means the least among the rulers of Y'hudah; for from you will come a Ruler who will shepherd my people Isra'el.'"

Berean Standard Bible

‘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.’”

American Standard Version

And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Who shall be shepherd of my people Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 2:6 serves as the authoritative prophetic declaration by the chief priests and scribes to King Herod, confirming Bethlehem in Judea as the divinely appointed birthplace of the Messiah. This pivotal verse, a direct quotation from Micah 5:2, underscores God's meticulous orchestration of history, revealing that the promised "Governor" who would shepherd His people, Israel, would emerge from this seemingly insignificant town, thereby fulfilling ancient prophecies and setting the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan in Jesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the early narrative of Matthew's Gospel, immediately following the arrival of the Magi in Jerusalem and their inquiry about the newborn "King of the Jews" ([Matthew 2:1-2](/matthew/2-1-2 "The Magi Seek the King")). Herod, deeply troubled by this news, convenes "all the chief priests and scribes of the people" ([Matthew 2:4](/matthew/2-4 "Herod Consults the Religious Leaders")) to ascertain the Messiah's prophesied birthplace. Matthew 2:6 is their direct, authoritative response, drawn from Old Testament prophecy. It precedes Herod's deceptive instruction to the Magi to "search diligently for the young child" ([Matthew 2:8](/matthew/2-8 "Herod's Deceptive Request")) and the Magi's subsequent journey to Bethlehem, guided by the star ([Matthew 2:9-10](/matthew/2-9-10 "The Star Guides the Magi")). The verse thus functions as the crucial piece of information that directs the Magi, and by extension, the reader, to the precise location of the Messiah's birth, highlighting the theme of prophetic fulfillment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is Judea under Roman rule, with Herod the Great serving as a client king. Herod was known for his paranoia and ruthless ambition, especially regarding any perceived threats to his throne. The religious leaders — the chief priests (likely Sadducees) and scribes (experts in Jewish law) — were the authoritative interpreters of the Mosaic Law and the Prophets. Their ability to immediately cite Micah 5:2 demonstrates their profound knowledge of the Messianic prophecies, yet their subsequent inaction in seeking the Messiah themselves reveals a tragic spiritual blindness. Bethlehem, though small, held significant historical weight as the birthplace of King David ([1 Samuel 17:12](/1_samuel/17-12 "David's Bethlehem Roots")), making it a fitting, albeit humble, location for the birth of the greater Son of David, the Messiah. The expectation of a "Governor" or "Ruler" was deeply ingrained in Jewish messianic hopes, often anticipating a political and military leader who would liberate Israel from foreign oppression.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 2:6 powerfully contributes to several key themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as Matthew consistently demonstrates how Jesus' life, death, and resurrection fulfill Old Testament predictions, thereby validating His identity as the Messiah. The quotation of Micah 5:2 here is a prime example, establishing Jesus' birthplace as divinely foretold. Another theme is **Messianic Identity and Authority**, as Jesus is explicitly identified as the "Governor" who "shall rule my people Israel," emphasizing His kingly and authoritative role as the promised Davidic King ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David")). The verse also subtly highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that despite human machinations (Herod's fear and the leaders' apathy), God's plan unfolds precisely according to His predetermined will. Finally, the phrase "not the least" underscores the **Significance of the Humble**, showing that God often chooses the seemingly insignificant (a small town, a humble birth) to accomplish His greatest purposes, echoing the pattern seen throughout salvation history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **least (Greek, _eláchistos'_):** Superlative form of a word meaning "small." In this context, it signifies "smallest" or "most insignificant." The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) rendering of Micah 5:2, which Matthew quotes, uses this term, contrasting with the Hebrew's "too little to be among the thousands of Judah." Both convey the idea that despite Bethlehem's humble size, it possesses immense significance due to the prophecy.
* **Governor (Greek, _hēgemṓn'_):** From a root meaning "to lead." This term denotes a leader, chief person, or ruler, often with official authority. In the context of Micah 5:2, the Hebrew equivalent implies a "ruler" or "prince." Matthew's use of this term emphasizes the Messiah's kingly and authoritative role, aligning with the Davidic covenant and the expectation of a sovereign leader for Israel.
* **rule (Greek, _poimaínō'_):** Literally meaning "to tend as a shepherd." This word carries the rich biblical imagery of a shepherd caring for his flock. When applied to a ruler, it signifies leading, guiding, protecting, and providing for the people with compassion and authority. This highlights the Messiah's leadership as both royal and pastoral, a caring king who shepherds His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda":** This opening clause identifies the specific geographical location. Bethlehem, a small town in the tribal territory of Judah, is directly addressed, setting the stage for its pivotal role in the prophecy. The mention of "Juda" (Judah) reinforces its connection to the tribe from which the Messiah was prophesied to come, particularly through the lineage of David.
* **"art not the least among the princes of Juda":** This is the core of the surprising declaration. Despite its small size and lack of political prominence, Bethlehem is affirmed as significant, even preeminent, among the "princes" or leading cities/clans of Judah. The negative "not the least" is a powerful understatement (litotes), emphasizing its profound importance, not in terms of worldly power, but in divine purpose.
* **"for out of thee shall come a Governor":** This clause provides the reason for Bethlehem's preeminence. It is the designated origin point for the Messiah. The phrase "shall come" signifies a divine decree and certain fulfillment. The "Governor" (or Ruler) points to the Messiah's kingly authority and leadership.
* **"that shall rule my people Israel":** This final clause describes the nature and scope of the Governor's authority. He will "rule" (shepherd) God's chosen people, Israel. This emphasizes a compassionate, protective, and authoritative leadership, fulfilling the ancient promises of a righteous king who would lead God's flock.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew's quotation of Micah 5:2 in Matthew 2:6 employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Allusion** and **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as the entire verse is a direct citation and application of an Old Testament prophecy to the birth of Jesus. This technique is central to Matthew's theological agenda, demonstrating that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah who perfectly fulfills the Scriptures. The phrase "art not the least" is a powerful example of **Litotes**, a rhetorical device where an affirmative is expressed by the negation of its contrary. By stating that Bethlehem is "not the least," Matthew (and the original prophet Micah) emphatically asserts its supreme significance and honor in God's plan, despite its humble size. Furthermore, the description of the "Governor" who "shall rule my people Israel" utilizes **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, drawing on the rich biblical imagery of the shepherd-king. This portrays the Messiah not merely as a political ruler but as a compassionate leader who cares for His people as a shepherd tends his flock, a motif deeply rooted in the Old Testament and later elaborated by Jesus Himself as the Good Shepherd.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 2:6 powerfully articulates God's meticulous and sovereign plan for the advent of His Son. It underscores the divine faithfulness to ancient promises, demonstrating that the birth of the Messiah was not a random event but the precise fulfillment of prophecy, down to the very town. This highlights that God's redemptive purposes are immutable and will be accomplished regardless of human schemes or perceived insignificance. The verse also establishes Jesus' identity as the promised Davidic King, a "Governor" whose rule is characterized by both authority and pastoral care, an essential aspect of the Messiah's nature. It invites believers to trust in a God who orchestrates history with perfect precision, ensuring that His word always comes to pass.

* [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah's Prophecy of Bethlehem")
* [John 7:42](/john/7-42 "The People Discuss Messiah's Origin")
* [2 Samuel 5:2](/2_samuel/5-2 "David, Shepherd of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 2:6 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God often chooses the humble and overlooked to accomplish His greatest purposes. Just as Bethlehem, "not the least" in God's eyes, became the birthplace of the King of Kings, so too can seemingly insignificant lives or circumstances be central to God's grand design. This should encourage us to value what God values, rather than what the world deems important, and to recognize that true significance comes from divine appointment, not human acclaim. Furthermore, the precise fulfillment of this prophecy should bolster our faith in the trustworthiness of God's Word. If God meticulously fulfilled ancient predictions about a small town and a coming "Governor," we can trust that His promises for our lives and for the future are equally certain. It calls us to live with confident expectation in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or contrary to our hopes, knowing that He is the ultimate "Governor" who shepherds His people with perfect wisdom and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the seemingly "insignificant" nature of Bethlehem challenge our own perceptions of where God might choose to work or how He might accomplish His purposes?**
* **In what ways does the precise fulfillment of this prophecy strengthen your trust in the reliability of God's Word and His promises for your life?**
* **How does the description of Jesus as a "Governor" who "shall rule my people Israel" inform your understanding of His leadership in your own life and in the Church today?**

### FAQ

**Why does Matthew's quote of Micah 5:2 differ slightly from the Old Testament Hebrew text?**

Answer: Matthew's quotation in [Matthew 2:6](/matthew/2-6 "Matthew 2:6 - Prophecy of Bethlehem") is a combination of the Hebrew text of [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem Prophecy") and its Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) translation, or perhaps a common interpretive tradition of the time. The Hebrew of Micah 5:2 reads "too little to be among the thousands of Judah," while the Septuagint has "you are small among the thousands of Judah." Matthew's "art not the least among the princes of Juda" (or "rulers of Judah") emphasizes Bethlehem's honor and significance, using a rhetorical device (litotes) to highlight its importance. This demonstrates that New Testament authors, while rooted in the original Hebrew, often quoted from the Septuagint or provided a dynamic, interpretive translation that emphasized the theological point relevant to their context, which in this case was the preeminence of Bethlehem as the Messiah's birthplace. The core message of Bethlehem's unique role remains consistent across all versions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 2:6 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus of Nazareth as the ultimate Shepherd-King, whose birth in Bethlehem perfectly aligns with ancient prophecy. The "Governor" (or Ruler) prophesied by Micah is none other than Jesus, the true King of Israel, whose reign extends far beyond the confines of a single nation to encompass all who believe. He is the one who perfectly embodies the pastoral care implied by "shall rule my people Israel," fulfilling the Old Testament ideal of a shepherd leading His flock ([Psalm 23:1](/psalm/23-1 "The Lord is My Shepherd")). Unlike earthly rulers, Jesus' authority is not merely political but spiritual and eternal, established through His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Christ's Exaltation")). He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "Jesus, the Good Shepherd")), gathering not only the scattered "people Israel" but also bringing in "other sheep that are not of this fold" ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "One Flock, One Shepherd")). Thus, the humble birth in Bethlehem of the "Governor" foreshadows the universal reign of Christ, who now rules from heaven, guiding His Church and ultimately bringing all things under His benevolent and righteous authority ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Christ, Head of the Church")).

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

Ezekiel 34:23

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, [even] my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

Ezekiel 34:25

And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.

Micah 5:2

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.

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?

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].