Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

MATTHEW 2:7KJV
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Matthew 2:7 (KJV)

What does Matthew 2:7 mean?

Matthew 2:7 describes King Herod secretly calling the wise men to himself and carefully questioning them about the exact time when they first saw the star. Herod is trying to gather specific information about the timing of the star’s appearance, which is linked to the birth of the “King of the Jews” the wise men are seeking.

In this verse, Herod is acting privately and with caution, not making his intentions public. He wants to learn from the wise men—foreign visitors who have come to Jerusalem—exactly when the star, which they believe marks the birth of a significant child, first appeared. This careful questioning sets up Herod’s later actions and shows his concern about a potential rival.

The Greek behind Matthew 2:7

  • The word translated “privily” is λάθρᾳ (lathra, G2977), which means “secretly” or “in private.” This highlights that Herod did not want others to know about his meeting with the wise men, likely to keep his intentions hidden.
  • The word for “enquired...diligently” is ἐξέτασεν (exetasen, G198), which carries the sense of a thorough or careful investigation. Herod is not asking casually; he is pressing the wise men for precise details.
  • The Greek word for “time” is χρόνος (chronos, G5550), which refers to a period or point in time. Herod is interested in the specific timing, not just a general idea, because it will help him determine the age of the child he sees as a threat.

Why Matthew 2:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Herod’s interest in the wise men’s story is not innocent curiosity but a calculated effort to find the child’s location and age.
  • The private nature of Herod’s inquiry shows his deceptive approach, which becomes important as the story unfolds and he later tries to use the wise men for his own purposes.
  • Understanding Herod’s careful questioning helps explain the tragic events that follow, as his actions are based on the information he gathers here.

Where else these words appear

“enquired” Greek G198 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 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.

“privily” Greek G2977 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • John 11:28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
  • Acts 16:37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.

“men” Greek G3097 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Matthew 2:16 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.
  • Acts 13:6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:

“star” Greek G792 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
  • Jude 1:13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
  • Revelation 8:10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;