King · Rulers and official · New Testament
The Story of Herod the Great
King at Jesus' birth. Not Herod Antipas or Herod Agrippa.
Also: Herod, Herode (Kiswahili)
King of Judea when Jesus was born, who ordered the killing of the boys of Bethlehem.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Jesus was born in the days of Herod the king. Troubled by the magi's news of a newborn king, Herod sought to kill the child and ordered the death of the boys in and around Bethlehem. Matthew 2:1–3Matthew 2:16
After Herod died, Joseph brought Jesus and Mary back from Egypt. Matthew 2:19–21
Told in: Matthew
Life at a glance
- Office
- King of Judea Matthew 2:1Luke 1:5
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Herod the Great
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
The magi and the killing in Bethlehem
Herod questions the magi, and when they do not return he orders the killing of Bethlehem's boys.
More about this event
People: Jesus, Joseph of Nazareth
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Herod the Great. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Direct reference
Family and relationships
- JesusSought to kill the childMatthew 2:13
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