Matthew 2:7

5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’”

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and learned from them the exact time the star had appeared.

8 And sending them to Bethlehem, he said: “Go and search carefully for the Child, and when you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.”

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the Child was.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and learned from them the exact time the star had appeared.
KJV
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
WEB
Then Herod secretly called the wise men, and learned from them exactly what time the star appeared.
ASV
Then Herod privily called the Wise-men, and learned of them exactly what time the star appeared.
DARBY
Then Herod, having secretly called the magi, inquired of them accurately the time of the star that was appearing;
BLB
Then Herod, having called the Magi secretly, learned exactly of them the time of the appearing star.
ÅB
Da kalte Herodes vismennene til seg i hemmelighet, og spurte dem nøye om tiden når stjernen hadde vist seg;
OTB
Da kalte Herodes hemmelig vismennene til seg og spurte dem nøye ut om når stjernen hadde vist seg.
B1930
Da kalte Herodes hemmelig vismennene til sig og spurte dem nøie om tiden da stjernen hadde vist sig;

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 1 Samuel 18:21

    “I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.”

    Read in context
  • Psalms 83:3–4

    With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish,

    Read in context
  • Psalms 55:21

    His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.

    Read in context
  • Psalms 64:4–6

    ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.

    Read in context
  • Exodus 1:10

    Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.”

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 7:5–7

    For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted your ruin, saying:

    Read in context
  • Psalms 10:9–10

    He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net.

    Read in context
  • Revelation 12:1–5

    And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed in the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.

    Read in context