Matthew 2:8

KJV

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found [him], bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he sent {G3992} them {G846} to {G1519} Bethlehem {G965}, and said {G2036}, Go {G4198} and search {G1833} diligently {G199} for {G4012} the young child {G3813}; and {G1161} when {G1875} ye have found {G2147} him, bring {G518} me {G3427} word again {G518}, that {G3704} I may come {G2064} and worship {G4352} him {G846} also {G2504}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he sent them to Beit-Lechem with these instructions: "Search carefully for the child; and when you find him, let me know, so that I too may go and worship him."

Berean Standard Bible

And sending them to Bethlehem, he said: “Go and search carefully for the Child, and when you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.”

American Standard Version

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search out exactly concerning the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word, that I also may come and worship him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 2:8 captures a pivotal moment in the early narrative of Jesus' life, revealing King Herod's deceptive and murderous intent cloaked in feigned piety. As the Magi seek the newborn King, Herod dispatches them to Bethlehem, instructing them to "search diligently" for the child and report back, ostensibly so he too might "worship him." This verse starkly contrasts Herod's cunning hypocrisy with the genuine, pure devotion of the Magi, setting the stage for divine intervention to protect the Christ child.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the Magi's arrival in Jerusalem, their inquiry about the newborn "King of the Jews," and Herod's subsequent consultation with the chief priests and scribes regarding the Messiah's prophesied birthplace in Bethlehem ([Matthew 2:1-6](/matthew/2-1-6 "The Magi's Arrival and Herod's Inquiry")). Herod, deeply troubled by the news of a potential rival to his throne, has just learned from the religious experts that the Christ was to be born in Bethlehem, as prophesied in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah's Prophecy of Bethlehem"). Verse 8 is Herod's calculated response, a manipulative instruction to the Magi designed to locate the child for his own nefarious purposes, directly preceding God's intervention to thwart his plan ([Matthew 2:12](/matthew/2-12 "The Magi Warned in a Dream")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Herod the Great was a Roman-appointed client king known for his paranoia, ruthlessness, and insecurity, especially concerning threats to his power. He had previously executed family members and rivals to secure his throne. The arrival of the Magi, wise men from the East (likely Persia or Babylon) who studied the stars and were associated with royal courts, would have been highly significant. Their inquiry about a "King of the Jews" would have been perceived by Herod as a direct political challenge. Bethlehem, a small Judean town, held immense significance as the ancestral home of David and the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah, a fact well-known to Jewish religious leaders. Herod's feigned desire to "worship" would have been a culturally expected, albeit insincere, gesture from a ruler towards a significant religious or royal figure.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/1 "The Gospel According to Matthew"). First, it highlights the **conflict between worldly power and God's kingdom**, exemplified by Herod's tyrannical response to the birth of the true King. Second, it underscores the theme of **deception and hypocrisy**, as Herod's words are a stark contrast to his murderous intentions, a motif that recurs throughout the Gospel in the opposition Jesus faces from religious authorities. Third, it implicitly emphasizes **divine sovereignty and protection**, as God's plan for His Son's safety unfolds despite human malice, foreshadowing the flight to Egypt in [Matthew 2:13-15](/matthew/2-13-15 "Joseph's Flight to Egypt"). Finally, it contrasts **true worship** (represented by the Magi's pilgrimage and gifts) with **false piety** (Herod's manipulative pretense).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **search diligently (Greek, _exetázō_):** From G1833, meaning "to test thoroughly (by questions), i.e. ascertain or interrogate." Coupled with G199 (_akribōs_), meaning "exactly" or "perfectly," it underscores Herod's meticulous and calculating approach. This is not a casual inquiry but a precise, thorough investigation, revealing the depth of his sinister intent to locate and eliminate the child.
* **diligently (Greek, _akribōs_):** From G199, an adverb meaning "exactly," "circumspectly," or "perfectly." This word intensifies the verb "search," indicating that Herod desired a precise and thorough investigation. It highlights his meticulous and calculating nature in pursuing his wicked agenda, emphasizing the sinister accuracy he sought in locating his perceived rival.
* **worship (Greek, _proskynéō_):** From G4352, meaning "to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)." Herod's use of this term is a profound act of **hypocrisy**, employing language associated with deep reverence and submission to God as a cover for his murderous plot. It contrasts sharply with the Magi's genuine intent to offer homage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said":** This opening clause establishes Herod's direct action and communication. Having gathered information about the Messiah's birthplace, he now takes the initiative, sending the Magi to the very town where the prophecy indicated the King would be born. His "sending" is a calculated move, not a helpful gesture.
* **"Go and search diligently for the young child":** This is Herod's command, cloaked in seemingly helpful guidance. The emphasis on "diligently" (G199, _akribōs_) reveals his precise and thorough intent to locate the child. The term "young child" (G3813, _paidíon_) refers to an infant or young boy, indicating the tender age of Jesus, which makes Herod's subsequent plot all the more heinous.
* **"and when ye have found [him], bring me word again":** Herod's instruction to report back is crucial to his plan. He needs confirmation of the child's location to execute his scheme. This clause highlights his desire for control and his reliance on the Magi as unwitting instruments in his plot. The phrase "bring me word again" (G518, _apangéllō_) means to announce or report, emphasizing the critical nature of this intelligence for Herod.
* **"that I may come and worship him also":** This is the core of Herod's deception. His stated purpose is to "worship him also" (G4352, _proskynéō_), feigning reverence and a desire to honor the newborn king. However, his true intention, as revealed by subsequent events, was to eliminate any perceived threat to his throne. This phrase perfectly encapsulates his cunning hypocrisy and the stark contrast between his words and his heart.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 2:8 is rich with **Irony**. Herod's command to "search diligently" for the child and his stated desire to "worship him also" are deeply ironic, as his true intention is to murder the child he pretends to honor. This **Verbal Irony** highlights the profound **Deception** at play, where Herod's words are the opposite of his underlying motives. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the intense opposition Jesus would face throughout His earthly ministry, even from His infancy, from those in positions of power. The contrast between Herod's malicious intent and the Magi's pure devotion also creates a powerful **Juxtaposition**, emphasizing the difference between worldly ambition and spiritual truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 2:8 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's sovereignty over human evil and the stark contrast between authentic and counterfeit worship. Herod's attempt to manipulate the Magi and eliminate Jesus underscores the inherent conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, which are often characterized by fear, deception, and violence. Despite Herod's cunning and power, God's divine plan for His Son's protection and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom cannot be thwarted by human schemes. This verse also highlights the enduring truth that true worship is characterized by humble seeking and genuine homage, while false piety often serves as a cloak for self-interest and destructive intent.

* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.")
* [Jeremiah 17:9-10](/jeremiah/17-9-10 "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 2:8 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, urging us to cultivate spiritual discernment and trust in God's unfailing sovereignty. Herod's deceptive words remind us that evil can often masquerade as piety or helpfulness. In a world where appearances can be deceiving, it is crucial to look beyond superficial claims and evaluate intentions based on fruit and truth. This verse also provides immense comfort, demonstrating that even when powerful forces conspire against God's purposes, His plans will ultimately prevail. We are called to embody the genuine worship of the Magi, characterized by sincere seeking, costly sacrifice, and humble adoration, rather than the self-serving, hypocritical pretense of Herod. Our worship should be an authentic overflow of love and submission, not a means to an end or a cover for ulterior motives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be tempted to use religious language or actions to mask less noble intentions?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment to recognize deception, both in others and in my own heart?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to trust more deeply in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem threatening or chaotic?**
* **What does "diligent searching" for Christ look like in my daily life, and how does it compare to the Magi's journey?**

### FAQ
**Was Herod truly unaware of the Messiah's birthplace before the Magi arrived?**

Answer: While the Magi's arrival certainly intensified Herod's concern and prompted his immediate action, the religious leaders in Jerusalem, including the chief priests and scribes, were well aware of the prophecy in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah's Prophecy of Bethlehem") that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Herod, as the ruler of Judea, likely had some general knowledge of Jewish messianic expectations, but the specific inquiry from the Magi about the "King of the Jews" ([Matthew 2:2](/matthew/2-2 "The Magi's Question")) seems to have been the catalyst that caused him to convene his experts and confirm the precise location. His ignorance was not about the *existence* of such prophecies, but perhaps about the *imminent fulfillment* and the exact details, which he then sought to exploit for his own wicked ends.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 2:8, though depicting a moment of profound human malice, ultimately points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Herod's attempt to eliminate the infant Jesus foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battle against God's Anointed One, a conflict that culminates in the cross but is ultimately defeated by the resurrection. Just as Herod sought to destroy the "young child" out of fear for his earthly throne, the powers of darkness continually seek to undermine the reign of Christ, the true King of Kings. Yet, the divine protection over Jesus in His infancy ([Matthew 2:13-15](/matthew/2-13-15 "Joseph's Flight to Egypt")) prefigures His ultimate triumph over all opposition, including sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). Herod's feigned desire to "worship" stands in stark contrast to the genuine worship that Jesus truly deserves and ultimately receives from all creation ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philipians/2-9-11 "Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). The true fulfillment of this verse lies in the reality that despite all human and demonic schemes, Christ's kingdom is established, and He is indeed the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist Identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God")), worshipped not by deceitful rulers, but by all who genuinely seek Him in Spirit and in truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "True Worshipers Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

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

1 Corinthians 3:19

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

1 Corinthians 3:20

And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

Jeremiah 41:5

That there came certain from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria, [even] fourscore men, having their beards shaven, and their clothes rent, and having cut themselves, with offerings and incense in their hand, to bring [them] to the house of the LORD.

Jeremiah 41:7

And it was [so], when they came into the midst of the city, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah slew them, [and cast them] into the midst of the pit, he, and the men that [were] with him.

Luke 20:20

¶ And they watched [him], and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

Luke 20:21

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person [of any], but teachest the way of God truly:

1 Kings 19:2

Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do [to me], and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.