New Testament
Matthew 2:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When Herod saw that he had been mocked by the wise men, he was extremely angry and sent orders to kill all the children in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas who were two years old and under, according to the time he had carefully asked the wise men about.
Compare translations
Then 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.
What Matthew 2:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, King Herod reacts violently after realizing that the wise men have deceived him by not returning to inform him about the newborn Jesus. Herod's anger leads him to order the massacre of all male children in Bethlehem who are two years old and younger. This horrific act was an attempt to eliminate any threat to his throne posed by the prophesied King. Herod's actions reflect his fear and desperation to maintain power, showing how far he would go to protect his position. This event fulfills the prophecy of the suffering in Bethlehem, highlighting the tragic consequences of Herod's tyranny and the lengths to which he would go to secure his rule. The massacre of the innocents serves as a stark reminder of the impact of political power struggles on innocent lives, illustrating the darkness that can arise from unchecked ambition and fear.
How to apply Matthew 2:16 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on how fear and ambition can lead to harmful actions. It encourages us to seek wisdom and compassion in our decisions, rather than allowing fear to drive us to harm others. We should strive to protect the vulnerable in our communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 2:16
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 2:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What motivated Herod to kill the children in Bethlehem?
Herod was motivated by fear and a desire to maintain his power. After realizing that the wise men had deceived him by not returning to inform him about the location of the newborn Jesus, he felt threatened by the potential rise of a new king. In a desperate attempt to eliminate this threat, he ordered the massacre of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity.
How does Matthew 2:16 fulfill Old Testament prophecy?
Matthew 2:16 fulfills the prophecy found in Jeremiah 31:15, which speaks of Rachel weeping for her children. This tragic event of the massacre of the innocents highlights the suffering caused by Herod's tyranny and serves as a reminder of the pain and loss experienced during times of political upheaval. It emphasizes the fulfillment of God's plan amidst human actions.
What can we learn from Herod's actions in this verse?
Herod's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and fear. They remind us that when individuals prioritize power over compassion, innocent lives can be tragically affected. This verse encourages us to reflect on our own decisions and to act with wisdom and kindness, especially towards the vulnerable in our communities.
Why did Herod feel mocked by the wise men?
Herod felt mocked by the wise men because they did not return to inform him of the whereabouts of Jesus, as he had instructed. Instead, they chose to follow a different route home after being warned in a dream. This perceived betrayal fueled Herod's anger and led him to take drastic and violent measures to secure his throne.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.