Matthew 2:16 facts for kids

Matthew 2:16 is an important verse from the Gospel of Matthew, found in the New Testament part of the Bible. This verse describes a key moment in the story of Jesus when he was a baby. It explains how King Herod reacted when he realized he had been tricked by the Magi, also known as the wise men.

Herod's Plan and the Magi

Before this verse, an angel had warned Joseph and Mary that King Herod wanted to harm their baby, Jesus. So, Joseph and Mary quickly took Jesus and fled to Egypt to keep him safe. They stayed there until Herod died.

At the same time, some wise men, called the Magi, had visited Jesus. They were also warned in a dream not to tell Herod where Jesus was. So, they went home by a different route, avoiding Herod completely.

Herod had hoped the Magi would tell him where to find the new "King of the Jews," because he felt threatened by this news. He wanted to get rid of Jesus.

Herod's Anger and His Order

When King Herod found out that the wise men had not returned to him, he became extremely angry. He realized they had tricked him. Because he was so determined to find and harm Jesus, he decided to take a terrible action.

Herod sent his soldiers to Bethlehem, the town where Jesus was born, and the areas around it. He ordered them to kill all the young boys who were two years old and younger. He chose this age because it matched the time he had learned from the wise men about when Jesus was born. This sad event is known as the Massacre of the Innocents. Herod hoped that by doing this, he would make sure Jesus was among the children who were killed.

What the Verse Says

Here is how the King James Version of the Bible describes this moment:

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

inquired of the wise men.

This verse shows how Herod's fear and anger led him to make a very harsh decision. It also highlights why Joseph and Mary had to flee to Egypt to protect Jesus.