Matthew 2:7
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
Original Language Analysis
Τότε
Then
G5119
Τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 14
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
καλέσας
called
G2564
καλέσας
called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
4 of 14
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μάγους
the wise men
G3097
μάγους
the wise men
Strong's:
G3097
Word #:
6 of 14
a magian (magi), i.e., oriental scientist; by implication, a magician
παρ'
of
G3844
παρ'
of
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
8 of 14
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 #:
9 of 14
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
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρόνον
what time
G5550
χρόνον
what time
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
11 of 14
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 55:21The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.1 Samuel 18:21And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain.
Historical Context
Herod's inquiry about timing would help him determine which infants to kill. His duplicity shows the political intrigue common in ancient courts and the lengths earthly rulers go to maintain power against God's purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How do people today use religious language to disguise ungodly motives?
- What does Herod's deception reveal about the human heart's capacity for self-justifying evil?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Herod's cunning questioning reveals how earthly powers attempt to manipulate divine revelation for their purposes. His feigned worship masked murderous intent, demonstrating the depth of human depravity and self-deception. This illustrates how the unregenerate heart uses religious language to cloak evil motives, showing the doctrine of total depravity in action.