Matthew 2:6
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.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γῆ
in the land
G1093
γῆ
in the land
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
4 of 24
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
Ἰούδα
G2448
Ἰούδα
Strong's:
G2448
Word #:
5 of 24
judah (i.e., jehudah or juttah), a part of (or place in) palestine
ἐλαχίστη
the least
G1646
ἐλαχίστη
the least
Strong's:
G1646
Word #:
7 of 24
used as equivalent to g3398; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡγεμόσιν
the princes
G2232
ἡγεμόσιν
the princes
Strong's:
G2232
Word #:
11 of 24
a leader, i.e., chief person (or figuratively, place) of a province
Ἰούδα·
G2448
Ἰούδα·
Strong's:
G2448
Word #:
12 of 24
judah (i.e., jehudah or juttah), a part of (or place in) palestine
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 24
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
15 of 24
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡγούμενος
a Governor
G2233
ἡγούμενος
a Governor
Strong's:
G2233
Word #:
17 of 24
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
ποιμανεῖ
shall rule
G4165
ποιμανεῖ
shall rule
Strong's:
G4165
Word #:
19 of 24
to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαόν
people
G2992
λαόν
people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
21 of 24
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
Cross References
Micah 5:2But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.John 7:42Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?Revelation 11:15And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.Genesis 49:10The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Revelation 2:27And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.Isaiah 40:11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.2 Samuel 5:2Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.Colossians 1:18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.Matthew 2:1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Historical Context
Micah prophesied around 700 BC about Bethlehem Ephrathah (distinguishing it from Bethlehem in Zebulun). The religious leaders could cite Scripture but failed to recognize its fulfillment, showing the danger of academic knowledge without spiritual receptivity.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you avoid the error of knowing Scripture but not acting on it?
- What does it mean that Jesus shepherds His people rather than merely ruling them?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The priests and scribes accurately quote Micah 5:2, proving knowledge of Scripture doesn't guarantee faith. The phrase 'thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least' reverses Bethlehem's insignificance—from smallest town to birthplace of the Ruler who will 'rule' (literally: shepherd) God's people. This connects Jesus to David, the shepherd-king from Bethlehem.