📖 Matthew — Chapter 2 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Red lettering identifies words spoken by Jesus; it is an editorial reading aid. Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
Matthew 2:1 Now when RJesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is Rborn King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all Rthe chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
Matthew 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
Matthew 2:6 And Rthou 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.
Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, Rthat I may come and worship him also.
Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, Rthe star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, Rthey rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, Rthey saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:12 And being Rwarned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, Rthe angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
Matthew 2:14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
Matthew 2:15 And was there Runtil the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, Rwhen 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.
Matthew 2:17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
Matthew 2:18 In RRama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
Matthew 2:19 But when RHerod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
Matthew 2:20 Saying, RArise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.
Matthew 2:21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, Rhe was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called RNazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Matthew 2:1–6 — Wise men seek the newborn King
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Visitors from the east ask about the King of the Jews. Troubled Herod consults the chief priests and scribes, who identify Bethlehem through the prophetic word.
Key Truth: Let the search for Jesus be guided by Scripture.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “Now when ____ was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of …” (Matthew 2:1)
Find it in Matthew 2:1 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “And when he had ____ all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, …” (Matthew 2:4)
Find it in Matthew 2:4 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “And they said unto him, In ____ of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,” (Matthew 2:5)
Find it in Matthew 2:5 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Matthew 2:7–12 — Worship and gifts accompany the visit
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Herod disguises his intention while the star guides the visitors. They rejoice, worship the child with Mary, offer gifts, and return by another route after a dream warning.
Key Truth: Honor Jesus rather than serving deceptive power.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “____ Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired …” (Matthew 2:7)
Find it in Matthew 2:7 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great ____ .” (Matthew 2:10)
Find it in Matthew 2:10 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “And ____ warned of God in a dream that they should not …” (Matthew 2:12)
Find it in Matthew 2:12 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Matthew 2:13–23 — The child is protected amid Herod’s violence
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Joseph takes the child and Mary to Egypt after an angel’s warning. Herod kills Bethlehem’s young children; after his death, further guidance leads the family to Nazareth.
Key Truth: Recognize faithful obedience without minimizing the suffering described.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “When he arose, he took the young child and his ____ by night, and departed into Egypt:” (Matthew 2:14)
Find it in Matthew 2:14 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “… lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her ____ , and would not be comforted, because they are not.” (Matthew 2:18)
Find it in Matthew 2:18 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “… arose, and took the young child and his mother, and ____ into the land of Israel.” (Matthew 2:21)
Find it in Matthew 2:21 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Micah 5:2 — Matthew uses the Bethlehem promise when the rulers identify the Messiah’s birthplace.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
How can worship lead you to attentive and courageous obedience?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. Which account best distinguishes Matthew 2:1–6 (Wise men seek the newborn King) from the other movements of this chapter?
2. Which account best distinguishes Matthew 2:7–12 (Worship and gifts accompany the visit) from the other movements of this chapter?
3. Which account best distinguishes Matthew 2:13–23 (The child is protected amid Herod’s violence) from the other movements of this chapter?
4. What authority do the priests and scribes invoke for the birthplace?
5. How does divine warning alter the wise men's return?
Notes
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