Matthew 2:6

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.

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}.

`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.'"

‘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.’”

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 on Matthew 2:6 (KJV)

Matthew 2:6 is a pivotal verse in the Nativity narrative, presenting a direct prophetic answer to King Herod's urgent inquiry about the birthplace of the "King of the Jews" (Matthew 2:2). This response comes from the chief priests and scribes, who, drawing upon their knowledge of the Old Testament, quote the ancient prophet Micah.

Context

Following the arrival of the Magi in Jerusalem, seeking the newborn King, Herod is deeply troubled. He convenes the religious leaders of Israel to ascertain where the Messiah was prophesied to be born. Their authoritative reply in Matthew 2:6 confirms Bethlehem in Judea as the designated place, citing Micah 5:2. This demonstrates that while the religious leaders understood the prophecies, they largely failed to recognize their fulfillment in Jesus. The verse underscores God's meticulous plan for the Messiah's arrival, unfolding precisely as foretold centuries earlier.

Key Themes

  • Prophetic Fulfillment: The primary theme is the precise fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy regarding the Messiah's birth location. This highlights God's faithfulness and the divine orchestration of events.
  • Messianic Identity: The verse explicitly identifies Jesus as the promised "Governor" or "Ruler" who will shepherd God's people, Israel. This points to His royal and authoritative role.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Despite the political turmoil and human machinations (Herod's fear), God's sovereign plan unfolds, ensuring the Messiah's birth aligns perfectly with ancient predictions.
  • Significance of Bethlehem: Though "not the least," Bethlehem was a small, seemingly insignificant town. Its selection emphasizes that God often works through humble means to accomplish His grand purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "not the least among the princes of Juda" directly translates from the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) version of Micah 5:2, which the scribes quoted. The original Hebrew of Micah 5:2 reads "too little to be among the thousands of Judah." Both convey the idea that despite its small size, Bethlehem holds immense significance due to the prophecy.

The term "Governor" (KJV) or "Ruler" in other translations (Greek: hēgoumenos) points to the Messiah's kingly authority and leadership. In the context of Micah, this ruler is also depicted as a shepherd, emphasizing a caring and guiding leadership over God's people. This concept aligns with Jesus' later self-identification as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).

Practical Application

Matthew 2:6 reminds us that God is faithful to His promises. What He declares will come to pass, often in ways that defy human expectations (a small town yielding the greatest King). It encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing and plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain. Furthermore, it highlights Jesus' role not just as a king, but as a compassionate Governor who "shall rule my people Israel" with justice and care, extending His shepherding leadership to all who believe in Him today.

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.

  • 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].

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