Matthew 2:18 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Matthew 2:18 |
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2:19 →
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Michelangelo's statue of Rachel
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| Book | Gospel of Matthew |
| Christian Bible part | New Testament |
Matthew 2:18 is a special verse found in the second chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. This book is part of the New Testament in the Bible. This verse talks about a very sad event. It describes how King Herod ordered the killing of many young boys. The verse also explains that this sad event was actually predicted a long time ago by prophets.
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Understanding Matthew 2:18
This verse is important because it connects an event in the New Testament to older writings. It shows how ancient predictions, called prophecies, came true. The verse quotes from an older book of the Bible, the Book of Jeremiah. This helps readers understand that God's plan was unfolding, even through difficult times.
The Sad Story of Herod's Order
After the Magi visited Jesus, King Herod felt tricked. He was worried about a new "King of the Jews" being born. So, he gave a terrible order: to kill all baby boys aged two and under in and around Bethlehem. This sad event is often called the Massacre of the Innocents. It caused great sorrow for many families.
A Prophecy from Long Ago
Matthew 2:18 quotes a prophecy from the Book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:15). This ancient prophecy talks about "Rachel weeping for her children." Rachel was an important mother figure in the Old Testament. Her "weeping" represents the deep sadness of mothers losing their children. By quoting this, the Gospel of Matthew suggests that even Herod's cruel actions were part of a larger, foreseen plan. It highlights the idea that God knows what will happen, even when things are very hard.
Different Ways to Read the Verse
The Bible has been translated into many languages. Here are a couple of ways Matthew 2:18 is written in English:
- King James Version:
:In Rama was there a voice heard, :lamentation, and weeping, and :great mourning, Rachel weeping for :her children, and would not be :comforted, because they are not.
- World English Bible:
:"A voice was heard in Ramah, :lamentation, weeping and great mourning, :Rachel weeping for her children; :she wouldn't be comforted, :because they are no more."
These different versions help people understand the verse in slightly different ways. They all share the same main message of deep sadness and loss.
You can find more versions of this verse at BibleHub Matthew 2:18.
