Matthew 2:8
And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πέμψας
he sent
G3992
πέμψας
he sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
2 of 22
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 22
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
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Πορευθέντες
Go
G4198
Πορευθέντες
Go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
7 of 22
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
ἐξετάσατε
and search
G1833
ἐξετάσατε
and search
Strong's:
G1833
Word #:
9 of 22
to test thoroughly (by questions), i.e., ascertain or interrogate
περὶ
for
G4012
περὶ
for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
10 of 22
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παιδίου·
the young child
G3813
παιδίου·
the young child
Strong's:
G3813
Word #:
12 of 22
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
ἐπὰν
when
G1875
ἐπὰν
when
Strong's:
G1875
Word #:
13 of 22
a particle of indefinite contemporaneousness; whenever, as soon as
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
18 of 22
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
κἀγὼ
also
G2504
κἀγὼ
also
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
19 of 22
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
ἐλθὼν
I may come
G2064
ἐλθὼν
I may come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
20 of 22
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
The magi's journey from the East likely took months. Herod's request seemed innocent—wanting to worship the newborn king—but revealed his paranoid tyranny when he later slaughtered Bethlehem's children (Matthew 2:16).
Questions for Reflection
- How can we develop discernment to recognize false professions of faith and hidden evil?
- What does this passage teach about God's sovereign protection of His elect despite human schemes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Herod's request appears reasonable but conceals homicidal intent. This demonstrates that evil often masquerades as piety, requiring spiritual discernment to detect. The irony is profound: Herod asks to 'worship' the King he plans to murder, showing how religious profession without heart transformation is worthless. God would sovereignly protect Christ despite this scheme.