Keraia
Matthew 2

Matthew 2:6

The Pilgrimage of the Magi · Matthew 2:1–12
Read Matthew 2

Translations

Modern
‘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.’”
Traditional
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.
Literal
‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come forth One leading, who will shepherd My people Israel.’”
Latin
Et tu Bethlehem terra Juda, nequaquam minima es in principibus Juda: ex te enim exiet dux, qui regat populum meum Israël.

Original

Greek
English
‘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.’”

Notes

Matthew 2:6

  • Bethlehem was a small village. It was important because it was where King David was born. The religious leaders knew from prophecy (Matthew 1:22) that this is where God would cause his Messiah to be born there.

  • King David had been a shepherd when he was young. As king, he became the shepherd of Israel (2 Samuel 5:2). Micah 5:2–4 predicts the Messiah as a shepherd (compare Psalm 23:1).

Matthew 1:1–2:23

This story shows how certain parts of the life of Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. This includes:

  • his family history and birth (chapter 1), and

  • the places he lived as a child (chapter 2).

The story also shows how efforts to stop the plan of God do not work (2:1–15; see also 27:62–66).

Events

Parallels

Micah 5:1–6

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Places

Bethlehem: City of David's birth and Jesus' birth

Glossary

Astrology Astronomy Bethlehem Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Census Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ Magi Star in the East

Topics

Bethlehem: A City Southwest of Jerusalem: The City of Joseph Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Heathen: The Magi (The Wise Men from the East) Jesus, the Christ: Incarnation of Jesus, the Christ: King Jesus, the Christ: Magi (The Wise Men from the East) Visit (At Bethlehem) Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Governor Magi: The Wise Men from the East Who Visited Jesus As an Infant Miracles: Catalogue of The Appearance of the Star Over Bethlehem Modern Judea: Called: The Land of Judah Modern Judea: Our Lord: Born In Modern Judea: Towns of Bethlehem Prophecies Respecting Christ: Great Persons Coming to Adore Him: Fulfilled Quotations and Allusions in the New Testament From, and To, the Old Testament Titles and Names of Christ: Governor Wisdom of the Magi (Wise Men from the East) Wise Men of the East (The Magi)