They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
English Standard Version (ESV)
When the religious leaders are questioned about the Messiah's birthplace, they don't just give an answer; they cite prophecy as their authority. This reveals how the ancient Scriptures were known and accessible, even if the religious establishment ultimately ignored their King.
They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fleeing the murderous intentions of King Herod, the wise men, guided by a star, have come seeking the newborn King of the Jews. They arrive in Jerusalem, stirring fear and confusion, and Herod, hearing their quest, convenes the chief priests and scribes. This verse reveals their immediate answer, pinpointing the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah.
How did the religious leaders know where the Messiah was supposed to be born? It wasn't guesswork; it was deeply rooted in Scripture.
When King Herod, a foreigner, asks where the promised King of the Jews is to be born, the chief priests and scribes immediately point to Bethlehem. This wasn't a new revelation; it was information readily available to them from the Old Testament. Specifically, they are referencing Micah 5:2.
A Familiar Scripture
They didn't need to search dusty scrolls in a panic. This was a foundational piece of knowledge about the Messiah's lineage and birthplace that was part of their religious education. It highlights how, even when people are spiritually distant or even hostile, God's Word can still be a source of truth they possess, even if they don't embrace it.
Divine Appointment
God sovereignly arranged for these religious leaders, despite their later rejection of Jesus, to provide the correct information. This shows His incredible plan to guide the Magi and confirm the identity of His Son, using even reluctant instruments.
Bethlehem wasn't a major city, so why was it chosen as the birthplace of the King of Kings?
The passage highlights a beautiful paradox: Bethlehem, while small and perhaps even insignificant in the grand scheme of things, was chosen by God for the most significant birth in history.
A Humble Beginning
When the scribes quote the prophet (Micah 5:2), they point out that Bethlehem, though 'little among the clans of Judah,' would be the origin of a great ruler. This contrasts sharply with the worldly expectation of a king being born in a place of power and prestige. God intentionally chose a humble location for His humble Son.
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Divine Magnification
Matthew emphasizes that God's choice of Bethlehem wasn't about the town's inherent greatness, but about God's grace. By choosing an unassuming village, God magnified His own power and plan. The significance wasn't in Bethlehem, but in the One born there. This points to a recurring theme in Scripture: God often uses the weak and the overlooked to accomplish His greatest purposes, drawing all attention to Himself.
Understand the original words
prophētēs · Greek Noun
A person through whom God speaks His message to His people, often revealing future events or calling the nation to repentance. They are the conduits of divine revelation, and their words are considered binding and authoritative as the Word of God.
The scribes' confident answer points to a deeply ingrained understanding of messianic prophecy among religious leaders, even if Herod's own heart was far from recognizing the King they described.
c. 740 BC
Micah's Prophecy
The prophet Micah foretells that the future ruler of Israel will be born in Bethlehem, a seemingly insignificant town. This prophecy becomes a crucial point of reference for Jewish leaders centuries later.
c. 605 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The first wave of Jewish exiles are deported to Babylon, including young nobles like Daniel. This event marks a period of foreign domination and spiritual challenge for the Jewish people.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This marked the end of the Babylonian exile and a return to their homeland, though under Persian rule.
c. 37 BC
Herod the Great Reigns
Herod the Great, an Idumean appointed by Rome, becomes the client king of Judea. His reign is known for its building projects and political intrigue, and he ruled during Jesus' birth.
c. 5 BC— this verse
Jesus Born in Bethlehem
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, fulfilling Micah's prophecy. The exact circumstances of his birth and the timing relative to Herod's reign are debated by scholars.
c. 5 BC
Magi Visit Jerusalem
Wise men from the East, guided by a special star, arrive in Jerusalem seeking the newborn King of the Jews. This event ignites Herod's suspicion and leads to the inquiry about Bethlehem.
This is the specific Old Testament prophecy the scribes are referencing, directly stating that the ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem.
John 7:42This passage shows that the same prophetic understanding about the Messiah coming from Bethlehem was still held by many Jews decades later, highlighting its widespread recognition.
Matthew 1:22-23Matthew directly links Jesus' birth in Bethlehem to a prophecy from Isaiah, showing how he fulfills ancient scriptures regarding the Messiah's birthplace.
Luke 2:4-7This passage describes Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem due to a Roman decree, providing the historical context for Jesus being born in that specific town, fulfilling the prophecy.
calvinMatthew 2:1-6: "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,"
- Now when Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judea, [175] in the times of Herod the King, lo, Magi from the East came to Jerusalem, 2. Saying, Where is he who is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the East, and have come that we may worship him. 3. And having heard these things, Herod the King was troubled, and all Jerusalem w…
barnesMatthew 2:5: "And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,"
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…
When the religious leaders are questioned about the Messiah's birthplace, they don't just give an answer; they cite prophecy as their authority. This reveals how the ancient Scriptures were known and accessible, even if the religious establishment ultimately ignored their King.
Fleeing the murderous intentions of King Herod, the wise men, guided by a star, have come seeking the newborn King of the Jews. They arrive in Jerusalem, stirring fear and confusion, and Herod, hearing their quest, convenes the chief priests and scribes. This verse reveals their immediate answer, pinpointing the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah.
Fleeing the murderous intentions of King Herod, the wise men, guided by a star, have come seeking the newborn King of the Jews. They arrive in Jerusalem, stirring fear and confusion, and Herod, hearing their quest, convenes the chief priests and scribes. This verse reveals their immediate answer, pinpointing the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah.
"They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:" — When the religious leaders are questioned about the Messiah's birthplace, they don't just give an answer; they cite prophecy as their authority. This reveals how the ancient Scriptures were known a…
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Last reviewed October 2026