Matthew 2:18
In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
Original Language Analysis
Φωνὴ
a voice
G5456
Φωνὴ
a voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
1 of 22
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολύς,
great
G4183
πολύς,
great
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
10 of 22
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
κλαίουσα
weeping
G2799
κλαίουσα
weeping
Strong's:
G2799
Word #:
12 of 22
to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῆς
G846
αὐτῆς
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἤθελεν
would
G2309
ἤθελεν
would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
18 of 22
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
παρακληθῆναι
be comforted
G3870
παρακληθῆναι
be comforted
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
19 of 22
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
20 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
Jeremiah 31:15Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.Jeremiah 4:31For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.
Historical Context
The quotation from Jeremiah shows Matthew's Jewish audience that even this tragedy fits within God's revealed plan. The original context concerned the Babylonian exile, but Matthew shows a pattern of God bringing restoration after judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How can believers maintain hope in God's goodness during tragic and unjust circumstances?
- What does God's preservation of Christ through Herod's massacre teach about His sovereign protection of His redemptive purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jeremiah 31:15's full context includes God's promise: 'Refrain thy voice from weeping...there is hope in thine end' (Jeremiah 31:16-17). The weeping mothers of Bethlehem, like Rachel, represent genuine grief, yet God's purposes of redemption stand firm. Christ's preservation through this massacre demonstrates God's sovereign protection of His elect and His redemptive plan.