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Matthew 2:5

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 2:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written through the prophet,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written through the prophet,
Matthew 2:5 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ should be born.
5And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written through the prophet,
6And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah, Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah: For out of thee shall come forth a governor, Who shall be shepherd of my people Israel.
7Then Herod privily called the Wise-men, and learned of them exactly what time the star appeared.
8And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search out exactly concerning the young child; and when ye have found [him,] bring me word, that I also may come and worship him.
← Matthew 2:4Matthew 2:6 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And they said unto him, etc.] They answer without any hesitation, it being a generally received notion, and a thing well known among them, in Bethlehem of Judea; and give their reason for it; for thus it is written by the prophet, that is, the prophet Micah, in whose prophecy, (<330502>Micah 5:2) it stands, and is as follows:”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea--a prompt and involuntary testimony from the highest tribunal; which yet at length condemned Him to die. for thus it is written by the prophet-- (Mic 5:2).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“By the prophet - The Sanhedrin answered without hesitation. The question where he would be born had been settled by prophecy. This prophecy is found in Micah 5:2. In that prophecy both the place of his birth and the character of the Messiah are so clearly set forth that there was no room to doubt. It will be observed that there is a considerable difference between the passage as quoted by the Sanhedrin and as it stands in Micah. The main point, however, is retained - the place of his birth. We are not concerned, therefore, in showing how these passages can be reconciled. Matthew, moreover, is not responsible for the correctness of the quotation. He affirms only that the chief priests and…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Gen 35:19; Jos 19:15; Rut 1:1, Rut 1:19, Rut 2:4, Rut 4:11; Sa1 16:1 Matthew 2:6”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification