Matthew 2:8 REV and Commentary - And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the child, and as so

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the child, and as soon as you have found him, bring me word so that I can come and pay homage to him as well.”

“sent them to Bethlehem.” Note that the Magi did not go to Bethlehem because they were following a star, as tradition says. They were going to Bethlehem because the Word of God said that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

“as soon as.” The word epan (#1875 ἐπάν) can mean “when” or “as soon as,” (BDAG Greek-English Lexicon; see also NIV; Rotherham). Herod’s eagerness to get rid of the competition to his throne makes us favor “as soon as.”

“pay homage.” See commentary on Matthew 2:2.

Commentary for: Matthew 2:8