Matthew 2:4

Authorized King James Version

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
συναγαγὼν
G4863
together
to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)
#3
πάντας
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#4
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἀρχιερεῖς
G749
the chief priests
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
#6
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
γραμματεῖς
G1122
scribes
a professional writer
#8
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
λαοῦ
G2992
of the people
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
#10
ἐπυνθάνετο
G4441
he demanded
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;
#11
παρ'
G3844
of
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
#12
αὐτῶν
G846
them
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
#13
ποῦ
G4226
where
as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality
#14
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
Χριστὸς
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#16
γεννᾶται
G1080
should be born
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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