Matthew 2:3
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεὺς
the king
G935
βασιλεὺς
the king
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
5 of 11
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
ἐταράχθη
these things he was troubled
G5015
ἐταράχθη
these things he was troubled
Strong's:
G5015
Word #:
6 of 11
to stir or agitate (roil water)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
9 of 11
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
Cross References
Matthew 23:37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!Matthew 8:29And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?Acts 4:2Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
Historical Context
Herod the Great was an Idumean (Edomite) appointed king of Judea by Rome in 40 BC. Known for architectural achievements but also paranoid cruelty, he murdered family members and infants to secure his throne. He died in 4 BC.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the world feel threatened by Christ's legitimate reign and authority?
- In what ways do we, like Jerusalem, sometimes prefer comfortable compromise over God's righteous rule?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Herod's troubled reaction reveals the fundamental conflict between earthly kingdoms and God's kingdom. As a usurper with no legitimate claim to David's throne, Herod feared any rival. His trouble parallels the world's ongoing hostility to Christ's rule. That 'all Jerusalem' was troubled shows how even God's people can prefer corrupt stability over God's righteous King when self-interest is threatened.