Massacre Of The Innocents
TextsWhat is the meaning of Massacre Of The Innocents in the Bible?
The Massacre of the Innocents is a narrative event recorded exclusively in the Gospel of Matthew (2:16-18), wherein King Herod orders the execution of all male children in Bethlehem and its vicinity who are two years old or younger, in an effort to destroy the prophesied 'King of the Jews.'
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
This passage functions as a fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:15, reinforcing Matthew's theological argument that Jesus is the Messiah foretold by Hebrew scripture, while simultaneously characterizing Herod as a tyrannical antagonist opposed to divine will.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Massacre Of The Innocents in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Massacre Of The Innocents clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.