New Testament
Matthew 2:7
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, King Herod secretly calls the wise men, who had come to Jerusalem seeking the newborn King of the Jews.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Then Herod secretly summoned the wise men and pressed them for the exact time the star had appeared.
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, King Herod secretly calls the wise men, who had come to Jerusalem seeking the newborn King of the Jews. He is eager to know the exact time the star that guided them appeared. Herod's inquiry is not just casual; he is deeply interested in the timing because he wants to determine the age of the child. This reflects his fear and jealousy, as he sees the birth of this new king as a threat to his own power. Herod's secretive approach shows his cunning nature, as he pretends to be interested in worshiping the child while actually plotting to eliminate any competition. This moment sets the stage for the subsequent events in the narrative, highlighting the contrast between the wise men's genuine search for truth and Herod's deceitful intentions. Explore related deception.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 2:7 to your life
This verse reminds us to be cautious of those who may appear friendly but have ulterior motives. It encourages us to seek truth and wisdom in our own lives, being aware of the intentions of others. Trust should be built on transparency and honesty.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 2:7 mean?
Matthew 2:7 describes King Herod secretly calling the wise men to ask when the star that guided them appeared. This shows Herod's desire to know the age of the newborn King, reflecting his fear and jealousy over the potential threat to his rule.
What is the significance of Herod's secret inquiry in Matthew 2:7?
Herod's secret inquiry highlights his cunning nature and deceitful intentions. While he pretends to be interested in worshiping the child, he is actually plotting to eliminate any competition, showcasing the theme of deception.
What themes are present in Matthew 2:7?
Matthew 2:7 presents themes of deception, power, fear, and the search for truth. It contrasts the wise men's genuine quest for knowledge with Herod's jealousy and ulterior motives.
How does Matthew 2:7 relate to the overall story of Jesus' birth?
Matthew 2:7 is a pivotal moment in the story of Jesus' birth, as it sets the stage for Herod's subsequent actions. It emphasizes the conflict between the true King and those who seek to maintain power through deceit.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Unlock the full Matthew summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.