Matthew 2:16
What does Matthew 2:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 2:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 2:16 means
When Herod realized the Wise Men had defied his instructions and returned home a different way, his wrath was unleashed in a horrific act. Driven by paranoia and a desperate desire to eliminate the perceived threat, he ordered the massacre of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem and the surrounding region. This atrocity reveals the full extent of Herod's evil and his ruthless determination to retain power, confirming the grave danger that prompted the Holy Family's flight.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wise-men.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wise-men.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was very angry; and he sent out, and put to death all the male children in Beth-lehem and in all the parts round about it, from two years old and under, acting on the knowledge which he had got with care from the wise men.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Then Herod, having seen that he was deceived by the mages, was very wroth, and having sent forth, he slew all the male children in Beth-Lehem, and in all its borders, from two years and under, according to the time that he inquired exactly from the mages.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then Herod perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceeding angry: and sending killed all the menchildren that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Then Herod, seeing that he had been mocked by the magi, was greatly enraged; and sent and slew all the boys which [were] in Bethlehem, and in all its borders, from two years and under, according to the time which he had accurately inquired from the magi.
Context
This verse details Herod's enraged and brutal reaction to being thwarted by the Wise Men, directly after the Holy Family's escape to Egypt. This horrific act of infanticide is presented as a direct consequence of his deceived expectations. This terrible event immediately leads to the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy, underscoring the profound sorrow it caused.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 28:15
Asa roaring lion, and a ranging bear, So isa wicked ruler over a poor people.
- Isaiah 26:21
For, behold, Jehovah cometh forth out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.
- Numbers 22:29
And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in my hand, for now I had killed thee.
- Isaiah 59:7
Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their paths.
- Daniel 3:13
Then Nebuchadnezzar inhisrage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Then they brought these men before the king.
- Hosea 10:14
Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be destroyed, as Shalman destroyed Beth-arbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces with her children.
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