Matthew 2:4 And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.

◄ Matthew 2:4 ►

New International Version
When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.

New Living Translation
He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

English Standard Version
and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

Berean Standard Bible
And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.

Berean Literal Bible
And having assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he was inquiring of them where the Christ was to be born.

King James Bible
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

New King James Version
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

New American Standard Bible
And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

NASB 1995
Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

NASB 1977
And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he began to inquire of them where the Christ was to be born.

Legacy Standard Bible
And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he was inquiring of them where the Christ was to be born.

Amplified Bible
So he called together all the chief priests and scribes of the people and [anxiously] asked them where the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) was to be born.

Christian Standard Bible
So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born.”

American Standard Version
And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ should be born.

Contemporary English Version
Herod brought together the chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses and asked them, "Where will the Messiah be born?"

English Revised Version
And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ should be born.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He called together all the chief priests and scribes and tried to find out from them where the Messiah was supposed to be born.

Good News Translation
He called together all the chief priests and the teachers of the Law and asked them, "Where will the Messiah be born?"

International Standard Version
He called together all the high priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah was to be born.

Majority Standard Bible
And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.

NET Bible
After assembling all the chief priests and experts in the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.

New Heart English Bible
And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ would be born.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born.

Weymouth New Testament
So he assembled all the High Priests and Scribes of the people, and anxiously asked them where the Christ was to be born.

World English Bible
Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ would be born.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and having gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he was inquiring from them where the Christ is born.

Berean Literal Bible
And having assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he was inquiring of them where the Christ was to be born.

Young's Literal Translation
and having gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he was inquiring from them where the Christ is born.

Smith's Literal Translation
And assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And gathering together all the leaders of the priests, and the scribes of the people, he consulted with them as to where the Christ would be born.

New American Bible
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

New Revised Standard Version
and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
So he gathered together all the high priests and the scribes of the people, and he kept asking them, where the Christ would be born?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he gathered the Chief Priests and the Scribes of the people together and was asking them, “Where would The Messiah be born?”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ should be born.

Godbey New Testament
and gathering together all the chief priests and scribes, inquired with them where Christ should be born.

Haweis New Testament
And assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he enquired of them, where the Messiah should be born.

Mace New Testament
and having assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he enquired of them where Christ was to be born.

Weymouth New Testament
So he assembled all the High Priests and Scribes of the people, and anxiously asked them where the Christ was to be born.

Worrell New Testament
and having assembled all the high-priests and scribes of the people, he was inquiring of them, "Where the Christ should be born,"

Worsley New Testament
and having summoned together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he enquired of them where the Messiah was to be born: and they told him, at Bethlehem in Judea;

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Pilgrimage of the Magi
…3When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Micah 5:2
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.

John 7:42
Doesn’t the Scripture say that the Christ will come from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?”

2 Samuel 5:2
Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

1 Chronicles 11:2
Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

Matthew 27:11
Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus replied.

Luke 2:4-6
So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. / He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. / While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born.

John 18:33-37
Pilate went back into the Praetorium, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” / “Are you saying this on your own,” Jesus asked, “or did others tell you about Me?” / “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?” ...

Acts 2:30
But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne.

Acts 13:23
From the descendants of this man, God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as He promised.

Romans 1:3
regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh,

Hebrews 7:14
For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, a tribe as to which Moses said nothing about priests.

Revelation 5:5
Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

Genesis 49:10
The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.

Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

Jeremiah 23:5-6
Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. / In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.

Treasury of Scripture

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

the chief.

Matthew 21:15,23
And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, …

Matthew 26:3,47
Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, …

Matthew 27:1
When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

scribes.

Matthew 7:29
For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Matthew 13:52
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

2 Chronicles 34:13,15
Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and were overseers of all that wrought the work in any manner of service: and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters…

he demanded.

Malachi 2:7
For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

John 3:10
Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

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Matthew 2

1. The wise men from the east enquire after Jesus;
3. at which Herod is alarmed.
9. They are directed by a star to Bethlehem, worship him, and offer their presents.
13. Joseph flees into Egypt with Jesus and his mother.
16. Herod slays the children;
20. himself dies.
23. Jesus is brought back again into Galilee to Nazareth.

Berean Study Bible

When he had called together
This phrase indicates a deliberate and authoritative action by Herod. The Greek word used here, "συναγαγών" (synagagōn), suggests a gathering or assembling. Herod, as king, had the power to summon the religious leaders, reflecting his political authority and the urgency of his inquiry. Historically, this action underscores Herod's concern about the birth of a new "king" and his desire to maintain control over his realm.

all the chief priests
The term "chief priests" refers to the leading priests in the Jewish religious hierarchy, including the high priest and those who had previously held the position. The Greek word "ἀρχιερεῖς" (archiereis) denotes their high status. These individuals were influential in both religious and political matters, serving as intermediaries between the Jewish people and the Roman authorities. Their involvement highlights the significance of the inquiry, as Herod sought the most knowledgeable religious authorities.

and scribes of the people
"Scribes" were experts in the Jewish Law, known in Greek as "γραμματεῖς" (grammateis). They were responsible for copying, teaching, and interpreting the Scriptures. The phrase "of the people" indicates their role as representatives and teachers of the Jewish populace. Their inclusion in this assembly emphasizes the importance of scriptural knowledge in determining the birthplace of the Messiah, as they were well-versed in the prophecies concerning the Christ.

he inquired
The Greek word "ἐπυνθάνετο" (epynthaneto) suggests a careful and deliberate questioning. Herod's inquiry was not casual; it was a calculated effort to gather specific information. This reflects his deep concern and possibly fear regarding the prophecy of a new king, which threatened his rule. The historical context reveals Herod's notorious paranoia and ruthlessness in dealing with potential rivals.

where the Christ was to be born
The term "Christ" is the Greek "Χριστός" (Christos), meaning "Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah." This title signifies the long-awaited deliverer prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures. Herod's question about the birthplace of the Christ indicates his awareness of Jewish Messianic expectations. Theologically, this moment underscores the fulfillment of prophecy and God's sovereign plan, as the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem was foretold in Micah 5:2. Herod's inquiry, though politically motivated, inadvertently confirms the divine orchestration of Jesus' birth, affirming the truth of God's Word and the hope of salvation through Christ.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(4) The chief priests and scribes.--The chief priests were probably the heads of the twenty-four courses into which the sons of Aaron were divided (2Chronicles 23:8; Luke 1:5), but the term may have included those who had, though only for a time, held the office of high priest. The "scribes" were the interpreters of the Law, casuists and collectors of the traditions of the Elders, for the most part Pharisees. The meeting thus convened was not necessarily a formal meeting of the Sanhedrim or Great Council, and may have been only as a Committee of Notables called together for a special purpose. With a characteristic subtlety, as if trying to gauge the strength of their Messianic hopes, Herod acts as if he himself shared them, and asks where the Christ, the expected Messiah, the "anointed" of the Lord (Psalm 2:2; Psalm 45:7; Psalm 89:20) was to be born.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4. - And when he had gathered... together (καὶ συναγαγών). The Revised Version, and gathering together, suggests that there was no delay. All the chief priests and scribes of the people (πάντας τοὺς ἀρχιερεῖς καὶ γραμματεῖς τοῦ λαοῦ). In the absence of the article before γραμματεῖς we must take the words, "of the people," as belonging to both terms. The addition helped to bring out the evangelist's thought that the representatives of the chosen people (1 Peter 2:10) were fully informed of the coming of Christ. The chief priests (cf. also Matthew 16:21, note) represented the ecclesiastical and Sadducean part, the scribes the more literary and probably the Pharisaic part, of the nation. The width of the term "all," and the double classification, seem to point to this not being a meeting of the Sanhedrin as such. Herod called an informal and perhaps the more comprehensive meeting of those who could assist him. He demanded of them; Revised Version, inquired, for "demand" is, in modern English, too strong for ἐπυνθάνετο The tyrant could be courteous when it served his purpose. Does the imperfect mark his putting the question to one after another (cf. Acts 1:6; and contrast John 4:52)? Where Christ ( the Christ, Revised Version) should be born (γεννᾶται). In ver. 2 (ὁ τεχθείς) the stress lay on his birth as an accomplished fact. Here on his birth as connected with his origin The present is chosen, not the future, because Herod is stating a theological question without reference to time. Observe, in Herod's inquiry and subsequent action, the combination of superstition and irreligion. He was willing to accept the witness of stars and of prophecies, but not willing to allow himself to be morally influenced by it. His attempt to kill this Child was the expression of a desire to destroy the Jewish nationality so far as this was severed from himself, and perhaps with it to uproot at the same time a fundamental part of the Jewish religion.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

When
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

he had assembled
συναγαγὼν (synagagōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4863: From sun and ago; to lead together, i.e. Collect or convene; specially, to entertain.

all
πάντας (pantas)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

chief priests
ἀρχιερεῖς (archiereis)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

scribes
γραμματεῖς (grammateis)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1122: From gramma. A writer, i.e. scribe or secretary.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

people,
λαοῦ (laou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2992: Apparently a primary word; a people.

he inquired
ἐπυνθάνετο (epynthaneto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4441: To ask, inquire, ascertain by inquiry, understand.

where
ποῦ (pou)
Adverb
Strong's 4226: Genitive case of an interrogative pronoun pos otherwise obsolete; as adverb of place; at what locality.

the
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Christ
Χριστὸς (Christos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

was to be born.
γεννᾶται (gennatai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1080: From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.

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NT Gospels: Matthew 2:4 Gathering together all the chief priests (Matt. Mat Mt)