Matthew 2:4
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συναγαγὼν
together
G4863
συναγαγὼν
together
Strong's:
G4863
Word #:
2 of 16
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
G749
ἀρχιερεῖς
the chief priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
5 of 16
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαοῦ
of the people
G2992
λαοῦ
of the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
9 of 16
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
ἐπυνθάνετο
he demanded
G4441
ἐπυνθάνετο
he demanded
Strong's:
G4441
Word #:
10 of 16
to question, i.e., ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from g2065, which properly means a request as a favor;
παρ'
of
G3844
παρ'
of
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 16
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
ποῦ
where
G4226
ποῦ
where
Strong's:
G4226
Word #:
13 of 16
as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 6:12And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,Acts 23:9And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.
Historical Context
The Sanhedrin was the Jewish ruling council composed of chief priests (Sadducees) and scribes (mostly Pharisees). They could accurately identify Bethlehem as Messiah's birthplace from Micah 5:2, yet rejected Jesus when He came.
Questions for Reflection
- How can someone have extensive Bible knowledge yet lack saving faith in Christ?
- What is the difference between intellectual assent to biblical truth and heart transformation by the Holy Spirit?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Herod's consultation with chief priests and scribes—the religious experts—demonstrates that biblical knowledge alone does not produce saving faith. These men could quote Scripture accurately but remained hostile to the Messiah Scripture proclaimed. This illustrates the Reformed doctrine that saving faith requires divine illumination of the heart, not merely intellectual comprehension.