New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 2:7

The Magi and the Escape

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and learned from them the exact time the star had appeared. Matthew 2:7 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 2:7, in plain English

Herod met with the wise men in secret and asked them exactly when the star first appeared. He was gathering information, not out of wonder, but to plan something terrible.

Why it's here

Herod's questions sounded reasonable, even interested. But underneath, he was calculating how to eliminate a rival. Evil often wears a polite face.

Who's speaking

Matthew reveals Herod's secret scheming.

Where it sits in the story

The plot to destroy Jesus begins here. Even as a baby, the powers of the world recognized Him as a threat.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Herod's secret (lathra) meeting with the Magi reveals his deceptive intent. His inquiry about the star's exact timing (ton chronon tou phainomenou asteros) later determines the age range for the massacre in verse 16.

Language and setting

Herod's political cunning is evident: he gathers intelligence while concealing his true motives. The Magi were unwitting informants in his plot.

Voice

Matthew, narrating Herod's secret meeting with the Magi.

Significance

Herod begins orchestrating his murderous plan, using the Magi's information to calculate the child's age.

In context

Matthew 2:5–9

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.’”

7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and learned from them the exact time the star had appeared.

8And 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.”

9After 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.

Read all of Matthew 2 — Foreign stargazers arrive bearing gifts while a jealous king plots murder. From the start, following Jesus means danger.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad