What Does Matthew 2:8 Mean in the King James?
And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
In Herod’s mouth, “worship” is a promised bow that conceals a plan to reach the child.
THE MEANING
A spoken claim of reverence can coexist with a demand for precise access to the vulnerable. Herod’s promise to bow sits beside his order to locate the child; the next scene exposes how that language serves a deadly intent.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The lie that pious language proves a person’s intent is harmless. Herod calls his promised act worship, while the story shows the child is being located for destruction.
THE ROOT
προσκυνήσω
proskynēsō
GROWS FROM
προσκυν-
proskyn-
To bow down or prostrate oneself in homage.
The Greek word gives “worship” the concrete posture of bowing down. Herod promises that posture, but the verse leaves his words beside his demand to find the child, so the bow itself cannot prove his intent.
ALSO GROWS
proskynēsis: Bowing down or an act of homage.
προσκύνησις
It names the posture Herod claims he will perform.
proskynētēs: One who bows down; a worshipper.
προσκυνητής
It shows the same word family can name the person defined by that posture.
ἀκριβῶς
akribōs
GROWS FROM
ἀκριβ-
akrib-
Exactness, precision, careful accuracy.
“diligently” in this verse is akribōs. Herod asks for an exact search and a report back, not a passing glance. Precision can serve any purpose; here it makes the child easier to locate for a concealed deadly intent.
ALSO GROWS
akribēs: Exact or precise.
ἀκριβής
It carries the same emphasis on exactness found in Herod’s instruction.
akribeia: Accuracy or exactness.
ἀκρίβεια
It shows the precision requested can be used to gather actionable knowledge.
THE PATTERN
A claim of devotion is revealed by the action that accompanies it.
Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.THE THREAD
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.The Greek verb for “worship” is the same in both verses: προσκυνέω (proskyneō), to bow down. The magi’s bow arrives with gifts, while Herod’s promised bow is paired with a demand for the child’s location; the shared word sets claimed homage beside the action that accompanies it.
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