Matthew 2:6
What does Matthew 2:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 2:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 2:6 means
This verse quotes Micah 5:2, affirming Bethlehem's significant role in God's plan. Though small among the towns of Judah, it is declared to be the birthplace of a "governor" who will shepherd God's people, Israel. This prophecy identifies the Messiah not merely as a political ruler, but as a caring shepherd, foreshadowing Jesus' role as the Good Shepherd. The prophecy's inclusion here by Matthew emphasizes Christ's fulfillment of Old Testament expectations, validating His identity as the promised King, born in the very place foretold.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Who shall be shepherd of my people Israel.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Who shall be shepherd of my people Israel.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You Beth-lehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the chiefs of Judah: out of you will come a ruler, who will be the keeper of my people Israel.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And thou, Beth-Lehem, the land of Judah, thou art by no means the least among the leaders of Judah, for out of thee shall come one leading, who shall feed My people Israel.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And thou Bethlehem, land of Juda, art in no wise the least among the governors of Juda; for out of thee shall go forth a leader who shall shepherd my people Israel.
Context
This verse is a direct quotation of prophecy, serving as the scriptural justification for the religious leaders' answer in the preceding verse. It explains _why_ Bethlehem is the designated place, thereby confirming the Old Testament roots of Messiah's birth. This prophecy provides Herod with sufficient detail to proceed with his clandestine investigation of the Wise Men.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 11:15
And the seventh angel sounded; and there followed great voices in heaven, and they said, The kingdom of the world is becomethe kingdomof our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever.
- Psalms 78:71
From following the ewes that have their young he brought him, To be the shepherd of Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.
- Numbers 24:19
And out of Jacob shall one have dominion, And shall destroy the remnant from the city.
- Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- 2 Samuel 5:2
In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was thou that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and Jehovah said to thee, Thou shalt be shepherd of my people Israel, and thou shalt be prince over Israel.
- Colossians 1:18
And 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.
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