What does Matthew 2:16 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 2:16 describes the gruesome event known as the Massacre of the Innocents.

King Herod, upon realizing that the Magi (wise men) had not returned to him with information on the whereabouts of Jesus, whom he saw as a threat to his throne, became enraged.

In his wrath, he ordered the execution of all male children in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under.

This age range was based on his interrogation of the wise men to determine when the star heralding Jesus' birth had first appeared.

This act was an attempt to eliminate any potential rival to his kingship – specifically, the one whom the Magi had referred to as "King of the Jews."

The deeper meaning behind this verse lies in the contrast between the innocence of the children and the evil of Herod's actions. It portrays Herod as the embodiment of evil opposition to God's plans.

From a theological perspective, this event demonstrates the violent reaction of worldly powers to the divine disruption that Jesus' birth represents.

Historical Context

The verse is set in the time following Jesus' birth, during the reign of Herod the Great, who ruled Judea under Roman authority from 37 to 4 B.C.

Herod was known for his building projects as well as his ruthless defense of his throne, including the execution of members of his own family.

The historical accuracy of the massacre has been debated, as only the Gospel of Matthew records the event, and there is a lack of extra-biblical corroborative evidence.

However, in the cultural and political climate of the time, a ruler executing a small number of potential threats to secure his position would not have been viewed as unusual.

Theological Insights

There are various theological insights to glean from this verse. For some Christian traditions, this event fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the suffering that would accompany the Messiah's arrival.

Theologically, it also points to the inherent conflict between the kingdom of God and the political powers of the world.

Another viewpoint sees the slaughter as reflective of the human condition and sin, manifesting in the unbridled pursuit of power and authority at the expense of innocence and life.

Furthermore, it showcases the vulnerability of the Christ child and the hazardous world into which he was born, emphasizing Jesus' full identification with the fragility of humanity.

Practical Applications

The Massacre of the Innocents can spur individuals to reflect on current sociopolitical systems and the extent to which they protect or endanger the most vulnerable, especially children.

It is a call for social justice, human rights, and the defense of the oppressed.

From a personal perspective, it challenges believers to consider how they respond to threats against their faith or values. It may also prompt a self-examination regarding the pursuit of power and the ways people may knowingly or unknowingly harm others to maintain control or status.

Cross-References

• Jeremiah 31:15: "Thus saith the Lord; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they are not."
• Revelation 12:4: "And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek language of this verse include:

• "mocked" (ἐνεπαίχθησαν): to be played with, treated contemptuously or with trickery.
• "exceeding wroth" (ἐθυμώθη λίαν): extremely angry or furious.
• "slew" (ἀνεῖλεν): to take away, kill or destroy.
• "children" (παιδία): young child or infant.

The original language captures the intensity of Herod's emotions and actions, depicting a violent and swift retaliation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This event can be compared with other ancient myths where a ruler attempts to kill a potential future threat, such as the story of Cronus swallowing his children in Greek mythology or the Pharaoh ordering the death of Hebrew infants in the Exodus narrative.

It also resembles other stories of rulers eliminating potential threats to their thrones throughout history and mythology, demonstrating a common fear of usurpation and the measures taken to prevent it.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective might focus on the psychological analysis of Herod's actions, examining the mentality of tyrants and the lengths they will go to protect their power.

Cognitive and behavioral studies might shed light on the extreme paranoia and perceived threats that can lead rulers to commit atrocities.

commentaries

• Raymond E.

Brown, an esteemed biblical scholar, points to the scriptural typology linking Herod's massacre with the Old Testament account of Pharaoh's slaughter of the Hebrew boys, seeing it as a parallel in the life of Moses (the deliverer of Israel) and Jesus (the deliverer of all humanity).

• Craig S.

Keener, in his commentary, suggests that the historical Herod's known brutality supports the plausibility of the massacre, if not its historical documentation, as to such small-scale atrocities did not always make it into the historical records of the time.

• John Nolland, in his commentary on Matthew, notes the fulfillment of the Jeremiah prophecy (Jeremiah 31:15) and emphasizes the theme of God's plan prevailing in the face of human evil and opposition.
• R.

T.

France comments on the narrative role of the massacre, shaping the reader's understanding of Jesus as a figure who, from birth, is opposed by earthly powers and is aligned with the vulnerable and helpless.