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Matthew 2:7

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Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

Then {G5119} Herod {G2264}, when he had privily {G2977} called {G2564} the wise men {G3097}, enquired {G198} of {G3844} them {G846} diligently {G198} what time {G5550} the star {G792} appeared {G5316}.

Herod summoned the Magi to meet with him privately and asked them exactly when the star had appeared.

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and learned from them the exact time the star had appeared.

Then Herod privily called the Wise-men, and learned of them exactly what time the star appeared.

Commentary

Matthew 2:7 describes King Herod's secretive and cunning interaction with the wise men (Magi) shortly after they arrived in Jerusalem seeking the newborn "King of the Jews." This verse is pivotal as it reveals Herod's initial step in his plot to eliminate a perceived rival to his throne.

Context

This verse is part of Matthew's infancy narrative of Jesus Christ. The wise men, having seen a unique star in the East, traveled to Jerusalem, presuming the new king would be found in the capital (Matthew 2:2). Their inquiry caused great alarm for King Herod and all Jerusalem. Herod, a paranoid and ruthless ruler known for his insecurity, gathered the chief priests and scribes to determine where the Christ was to be born (Matthew 2:4). Once informed it would be in Bethlehem, Herod then privately summoned the wise men, hiding his true intentions.

Key Themes

  • Herod's Deception and Paranoia: Herod's action of "privily" calling the wise men highlights his sinister and manipulative nature. He pretends to want to worship the child, but his true motive is to find and destroy Him, driven by fear of losing his power.
  • The Wise Men's Diligence: The Magi, in contrast to Herod, were earnest seekers of truth, following the star diligently to find the promised King. Herod's "diligent" inquiry, however, was for malevolent purposes.
  • Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Malice: Despite Herod's cunning and wicked plans, God's divine providence is at work, orchestrating events to protect the infant Jesus and fulfill prophecy. Herod's actions, though evil, ultimately serve to highlight the miraculous preservation of Christ.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word translated "privily" is lathra (λάθρᾳ), meaning "secretly" or "unbeknownst to others." This emphasizes Herod's stealthy, underhanded approach, contrasting with his public gathering of religious leaders in Matthew 2:4. It underscores his desire to conceal his true intentions from both the wise men and his own court.
  • "Diligently" comes from the Greek akribos (ἀκριβῶς), meaning "accurately," "precisely," or "carefully." Herod was not idly curious; he was meticulously gathering information about the exact timing of the star's appearance. This detail was crucial for his later murderous decree against all male children under two years old, as seen in Matthew 2:16.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that evil often operates in secrecy and through deception. It highlights the stark contrast between those who genuinely seek Christ (like the Magi) and those who oppose Him out of fear and a desire for worldly power (like Herod). Even when powerful figures plot against God's purposes, His ultimate plan cannot be thwarted. Believers can take comfort in the knowledge that God protects His own and ensures His will is accomplished, even amidst the schemes of the wicked. This narrative encourages discernment and trust in God's sovereign hand, which guides events even when human intentions are malicious, as seen in the subsequent flight of the Holy Family to Egypt.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 55:21 (3 votes)

    [The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords.

  • 1 Samuel 18:21 (3 votes)

    And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in [the one of] the twain.

  • Revelation 12:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

  • Revelation 12:5 (2 votes)

    And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and [to] his throne.

  • Isaiah 7:5 (2 votes)

    Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have taken evil counsel against thee, saying,

  • Isaiah 7:7 (2 votes)

    Thus saith the Lord GOD, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass.

  • Psalms 10:9 (2 votes)

    He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.