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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 2:18 "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/2-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/40_Mat_02_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 2:18 - The Slaughter of Infants" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/2-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/2-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/2-17.htm" title="Matthew 2:17">◄</a> Matthew 2:18 <a href="/matthew/2-19.htm" title="Matthew 2:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/2.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> “A cry was heard in Ramah— weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.” <a href="/esv/matthew/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” <a href="/bsb/matthew/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” <a href="/blb/matthew/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> "A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she would not be comforted, because they are not." <a href="/kjv/matthew/2.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/2.htm">New King James Version</a> “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more.” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “A VOICE WAS HEARD IN RAMAH, WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING, RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN; AND SHE REFUSED TO BE COMFORTED, BECAUSE THEY WERE NO MORE.” <a href="/nasb/matthew/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220A VOICE WAS HEARD IN RAMAH, WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING, RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN; AND SHE REFUSED TO BE COMFORTED, BECAUSE THEY WERE NO MORE.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “A VOICE WAS HEARD IN RAMAH, WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING, RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN; AND SHE REFUSED TO BE COMFORTED, BECAUSE THEY WERE NO MORE.” <a href="/lsb/matthew/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “A VOICE WAS HEARD IN RAMAH, WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING, RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN; AND SHE WAS REFUSING TO BE COMFORTED, BECAUSE THEY WERE NO MORE.” <a href="/amp/matthew/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “A VOICE WAS HEARD IN RAMAH, WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING, RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN; SHE REFUSED TO BE COMFORTED, BECAUSE THEY WERE NO MORE.” <a href="/csb/matthew/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be consoled, because they are no more. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be consoled, because they were no more. <a href="/asv/matthew/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she would not be comforted, because they are not. <a href="/cev/matthew/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "In Ramah a voice was heard crying and weeping loudly. Rachel was mourning for her children, and she refused to be comforted, because they were dead." <a href="/erv/matthew/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she would not be comforted, because they are not. <a href="/gwt/matthew/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "A sound was heard in Ramah, the sound of crying in bitter grief. Rachel was crying for her children. She refused to be comforted because they were dead." <a href="/gnt/matthew/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> "A sound is heard in Ramah, the sound of bitter weeping. Rachel is crying for her children; she refuses to be comforted, for they are dead." <a href="/isv/matthew/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> "A voice was heard in Ramah: wailing and great mourning. Rachel was crying for her children. She refused to be comforted, because they no longer existed." <a href="/msb/matthew/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.? <a href="/net/matthew/2.htm">NET Bible</a> "A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud wailing, Rachel weeping for her children, and she did not want to be comforted, because they were gone." <a href="/nheb/matthew/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she would not be comforted, because they are no more." <a href="/wbt/matthew/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/matthew/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and bitter lamentation: It was Rachel bewailing her children, and she refused to be comforted because there were no more." <a href="/web/matthew/2.htm">World English Bible</a> “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.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “A voice in Ramah was heard—weeping and much mourning—Rachel weeping [for] her children, and she would not be comforted because they are not.” <a href="/blb/matthew/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> "A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she would not be comforted, because they are not." <a href="/ylt/matthew/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> A voice in Ramah was heard -- lamentation and weeping and much mourning -- Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be comforted because they are not.' <a href="/slt/matthew/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> A voice was heard in Rama, wailing, and weeping, and much lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, for they are not.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great mourning; Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “A voice has been heard in Ramah, great weeping and wailing: Rachel crying for her sons. And she was not willing to be consoled, because they were no more.” <a href="/nabre/matthew/2.htm">New American Bible</a> “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and wailing exceedingly, Rachel weeping for her sons, and she would not be comforted, because they could not be brought back. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “In Ramtha a voice was heard: weeping and great lamentation, Rachel weeping over her children, and she is unwilling to be comforted, because they are not.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and weeping, and great mourning; Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted because they are no more.<CM> <a href="/godbey/matthew/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and weeping and great mourning; Rachel weeping for her children; and was not willing to be comforted, because they are not. <a href="/haweis/matthew/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> ?A cry was heard at Ramah, lamentation, and wailing, and bitter moaning, Rachel weeping for her children, and will not be comforted, because they are no more.?<CM> <a href="/mace/matthew/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> "In Rama was a cry heard, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." <a href="/wey/matthew/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and bitter lamentation: It was Rachel bewailing her children, and she refused to be comforted because there were no more." <a href="/worrell/matthew/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> "A voice in Ramah was heard, weeping and great mourning; Rachel, weeping for her children; and she was not willing to be comforted, because they are not." <a href="/worsley/matthew/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. <a href="/parallel/matthew/2-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=397" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/2.htm">The Slaughter of Infants</a> …17Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18<a href="/greek/5456.htm" title="5456: Phōnē (N-NFS) -- Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.">“A voice</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: ēkousthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">is heard</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4471.htm" title="4471: Rhama (N-DFS) -- Rama, a place in Ephraim, two hours north of Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Rama, a place in Palestine.">Ramah,</a> <a href="/greek/2805.htm" title="2805: klauthmos (N-NMS) -- Weeping, lamentation, crying. From klaio; lamentation.">weeping</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polys (Adj-NMS) -- Much, many; often. ">great</a> <a href="/greek/3602.htm" title="3602: odyrmos (N-NMS) -- Lamentation, wailing, mourning, sorrow. From a derivative of the base of duno; moaning, i.e. Lamentation.">mourning,</a> <a href="/greek/4478.htm" title="4478: Rhachēl (N-NFS) -- Rachel, younger wife of the patriarch Jacob. Of Hebrew origin; Rachel, the wife of Jacob.">Rachel</a> <a href="/greek/2799.htm" title="2799: klaiousa (V-PPA-NFS) -- To weep, weep for, mourn, lament. Of uncertain affinity; to sob, i.e. Wail aloud.">weeping for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēs (PPro-GF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">her</a> <a href="/greek/5043.htm" title="5043: tekna (N-ANP) -- A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.">children,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: ēthelen (V-IIA-3S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">refusing</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/3870.htm" title="3870: paraklēthēnai (V-ANP) -- From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.">to be comforted,</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">they are</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">no more.”</a> 19After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/jeremiah/31-15.htm">Jeremiah 31:15</a> This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” <a href="/genesis/37-35.htm">Genesis 37:35</a> All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. <a href="/2_kings/8-12.htm">2 Kings 8:12</a> “Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. “Because I know the evil you will do to the Israelites,” Elisha replied. “You will set fire to their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little ones to pieces, and rip open their pregnant women.” <a href="/isaiah/40-1.htm">Isaiah 40:1-2</a> “Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God. / “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.” <a href="/hosea/11-1.htm">Hosea 11:1</a> When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son. <a href="/lamentations/1-16.htm">Lamentations 1:16</a> For these things I weep; my eyes flow with tears. For there is no one nearby to comfort me, no one to revive my soul. My children are destitute because the enemy has prevailed. <a href="/lamentations/2-18.htm">Lamentations 2:18</a> The hearts of the people cry out to the Lord. O wall of the Daughter of Zion, let your tears run down like a river day and night. Give yourself no relief, and your eyes no rest. <a href="/lamentations/3-48.htm">Lamentations 3:48-49</a> Streams of tears flow from my eyes over the destruction of the daughter of my people. / My eyes overflow unceasingly, without relief, <a href="/zechariah/12-10.htm">Zechariah 12:10-11</a> Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son. / On that day the wailing in Jerusalem will be as great as the wailing of Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. <a href="/revelation/18-20.htm">Revelation 18:20-24</a> Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her. / Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again. / And the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will never ring out in you again. Nor will any craftsmen of any trade be found in you again, nor the sound of a millstone be heard in you again. ... <a href="/luke/2-34.htm">Luke 2:34-35</a> Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, / so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your soul as well.” <a href="/john/16-20.htm">John 16:20-22</a> Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. / A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. / So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. <a href="/romans/8-22.htm">Romans 8:22-23</a> We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. / Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:13</a> Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. <a href="/hebrews/11-35.htm">Hebrews 11:35</a> Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.Rama.<a href="/jeremiah/31-15.htm">Jeremiah 31:15</a> Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.Ramah.<a href="/jeremiah/4-31.htm">Jeremiah 4:31</a> For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.<a href="/jeremiah/9-17.htm">Jeremiah 9:17-21</a> Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning women, that they may come: … <a href="/ezekiel/2-10.htm">Ezekiel 2:10</a> And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.Rachel.<a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Genesis 35:16-20</a> And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour… would.<a href="/genesis/37-30.htm">Genesis 37:30,33-35</a> And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go? … <a href="/genesis/42-36.htm">Genesis 42:36</a> And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.<a href="/job/14-10.htm">Job 14:10</a> But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/8-52.htm">Bewailing</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-8.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Children</a> <a href="/ezekiel/32-31.htm">Comforted</a> <a href="/ezekiel/32-31.htm">Consoled</a> <a href="/matthew/2-10.htm">Great</a> <a href="/matthew/2-9.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/micah/1-11.htm">Lamentation</a> <a href="/malachi/3-14.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-15.htm">Rachel</a> <a href="/hosea/5-8.htm">Ramah</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-13.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/jeremiah/38-21.htm">Refusing</a> <a href="/malachi/3-14.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-16.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-3.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-3.htm">Wailing</a> <a href="/malachi/2-13.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-5.htm">Wouldn't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/8-52.htm">Bewailing</a> <a href="/matthew/13-57.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/matthew/3-9.htm">Children</a> <a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Comforted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-39.htm">Consoled</a> <a href="/matthew/4-16.htm">Great</a> <a href="/matthew/2-22.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-26.htm">Lamentation</a> <a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/genesis/29-6.htm">Rachel</a> <a href="/joshua/18-25.htm">Ramah</a> <a href="/matthew/18-30.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/luke/7-31.htm">Refusing</a> <a href="/matthew/11-17.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/matthew/3-3.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/matthew/9-23.htm">Wailing</a> <a href="/matthew/8-12.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/matthew/23-30.htm">Wouldn't</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 2</div>1. <a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">The wise men from the east enquire after Jesus;</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/2-3.htm">at which Herod is alarmed.</a> 9. <a href="/matthew/2-9.htm">They are directed by a star to Bethlehem, worship him, and offer their presents.</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Joseph flees into Egypt with Jesus and his mother.</a> 16. <a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Herod slays the children;</a> 20. <a href="/matthew/2-20.htm">himself dies.</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/2-23.htm">Jesus is brought back again into Galilee to Nazareth.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>A voice is heard in Ramah Ramah was a town in the territory of Benjamin, located about five miles north of Jerusalem. It is historically significant as a place where the prophet Samuel was born and buried. In the context of <a href="/matthew/2-18.htm">Matthew 2:18</a>, Ramah is symbolic of the collective grief of Israel. The "voice" signifies a prophetic utterance, echoing the lamentation found in <a href="/jeremiah/31-15.htm">Jeremiah 31:15</a>. This prophecy originally referred to the Babylonian exile, where captives were gathered in Ramah before being taken to Babylon. The New Testament application connects this lament to the massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem, showing the fulfillment of prophecy through the events surrounding Jesus' early life.weeping and great mourning The intense sorrow described here reflects the deep anguish experienced by the mothers of Bethlehem. This phrase captures the emotional depth of the tragedy, emphasizing the severity of Herod's actions. The mourning is not just personal but communal, affecting the entire region. This mirrors the historical context of Israel's suffering and exile, drawing a parallel between past and present grief.Rachel weeping for her children Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob, is considered the matriarch of Israel. Her weeping symbolizes the sorrow of the nation, as she is metaphorically mourning for her descendants. Rachel's tomb, located near Bethlehem, adds geographical significance to this lament. The imagery of Rachel weeping connects to <a href="/genesis/35-19.htm">Genesis 35:19-20</a> and <a href="/jeremiah/31-15.htm">Jeremiah 31:15</a>, where Rachel's sorrow is emblematic of the collective suffering of Israel. This typology points to the broader narrative of redemption and hope, as Rachel's weeping precedes the promise of restoration in Jeremiah.and refusing to be comforted This phrase highlights the depth of despair and the inconsolable nature of the loss. The refusal to be comforted underscores the magnitude of the tragedy, as the mothers of Bethlehem cannot be consoled in the face of such devastating loss. This reflects the cultural context of mourning in ancient Israel, where expressions of grief were profound and communal. Theologically, it points to the human condition and the need for divine intervention and comfort.because they are no more The finality of this phrase emphasizes the irreversible nature of the tragedy. The children "are no more," indicating their death and the end of their earthly lives. This echoes the historical reality of the massacre and the fulfillment of prophecy. It also serves as a somber reminder of the cost of sin and the brokenness of the world, setting the stage for the redemptive work of Christ. Theologically, it points to the hope of resurrection and eternal life, where death is ultimately conquered through Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/r/ramah.htm">Ramah</a> A town in ancient Israel, traditionally associated with the tribe of Benjamin. It is significant in biblical history and prophecy. 2. <a href="/topical/r/rachel.htm">Rachel</a> The beloved wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. In this context, she symbolizes the mothers of Israel mourning for their lost children. 3. <a href="/topical/h/herod's_massacre_of_the_innocents.htm">Herod's Massacre of the Innocents</a> The event where King Herod ordered the killing of all male infants in Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of mourning in Ramah. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_prophecy_of_jeremiah.htm">The Prophecy of Jeremiah</a> This verse is a fulfillment of a prophecy found in <a href="/jeremiah/31-15.htm">Jeremiah 31:15</a>, where Rachel is depicted as weeping for her descendants. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_children_of_bethlehem.htm">The Children of Bethlehem</a> The innocent children who were killed by Herod's decree, representing the fulfillment of the prophecy and the deep sorrow of the nation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_prophecy_fulfillment.htm">Understanding Prophecy Fulfillment</a> <a href="/matthew/2-18.htm">Matthew 2:18</a> demonstrates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, showing the continuity and reliability of God's Word. <a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_suffering.htm">The Reality of Suffering</a> This verse acknowledges the deep sorrow and suffering in the world, reminding us that God is aware of our pain and has a plan for redemption. <a href="/topical/t/the_hope_of_consolation.htm">The Hope of Consolation</a> While Rachel refused consolation, as believers, we have the hope of ultimate comfort in Christ, who promises to heal our sorrows. <a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god.htm">The Sovereignty of God</a> Even in tragic events, God's sovereign plan is at work, fulfilling His purposes and pointing us to the hope found in Jesus. <a href="/topical/e/empathy_and_compassion.htm">Empathy and Compassion</a> We are called to empathize with those who mourn and to offer the comfort and hope that we have received in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 2</a> <a href="/q/who_was_hilkiah_in_the_bible.htm">What does Rachel weeping for her children signify?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_'likeness_of_sinful_flesh'.htm">What is the Massacre of the Innocents?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_rachel's_weeping_signify.htm">What does Rachel weeping for her children signify?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_massacre_of_the_innocents.htm">What is the Massacre of the Innocents?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) In Rama was there a voice heard.--Here again we have an example of St. Matthew's application of a passage that had a direct bearing upon the events of the time when it was delivered to those which his narrative had brought before him. The tomb of Rachel, "in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem" (<a href="/genesis/35-19.htm" title="And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.">Genesis 35:19</a>), had been, probably from the day when the "pillar" which marked it was first set up, one of the sacred places of the land. It was so in the days of Samuel (<a href="/1_samuel/10-2.htm" title="When you are departed from me to day, then you shall find two men by Rachel's sepulcher in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say to you, The asses which you went to seek are found: and, see, your father has left the care of the asses, and sorrows for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?">1Samuel 10:2</a>). The language of Jeremiah in <a href="/jeremiah/31-15.htm" title="Thus said the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.">Jeremiah 31:15</a>, shows that it was so in his time. In his picture of the sufferings and slaughter of the captives of Judah, the image which best embodied his feelings of sorrow for his people was that of Rachel, as the great "mother in Israel," seeing, as from the "high place" of her sepulchre (this is the meaning of the name Ramah), the shame and death of her children at the other Ramah, a few miles further to the north, and weeping for her bereavement. Historically, as we find from <a href="/jeremiah/40-1.htm" title="The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, after that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had taken him being bound in chains among all that were carried away captive of Jerusalem and Judah, which were carried away captive to Babylon.">Jeremiah 40:1</a>, this was the place to which the prisoners were dragged, that Nebuzaradan might assign "such as were for death" to death, others to exile, and others again to remain as bondsmen in the land. That picture, St. Matthew felt, had been reproduced once again. The tomb of Rachel was as familiar to the people of Bethlehem (it stands but one mile to the north of the town) as it had been in the time of Jeremiah, and the imagery was therefore as natural in the one case as the other. The Ramah of <a href="/jeremiah/40-1.htm" title="The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, after that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had taken him being bound in chains among all that were carried away captive of Jerusalem and Judah, which were carried away captive to Babylon.">Jeremiah 40:1</a>. was about seven or eight miles further north, on the borders of Benjamin, but it has been thought by some geographers that the name was given to some locality nearer the tomb of Rachel. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/2-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“A voice Φωνὴ (Phōnē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5456.htm">Strong's 5456: </a> Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language. is heard ἠκούσθη (ēkousthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Ramah, Ῥαμὰ (Rhama) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4471.htm">Strong's 4471: </a> Rama, a place in Ephraim, two hours north of Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Rama, a place in Palestine. weeping κλαυθμὸς (klauthmos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2805.htm">Strong's 2805: </a> Weeping, lamentation, crying. From klaio; lamentation. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. great πολύς (polys) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. mourning, ὀδυρμὸς (odyrmos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3602.htm">Strong's 3602: </a> Lamentation, wailing, mourning, sorrow. From a derivative of the base of duno; moaning, i.e. Lamentation. Rachel Ῥαχὴλ (Rhachēl) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4478.htm">Strong's 4478: </a> Rachel, younger wife of the patriarch Jacob. Of Hebrew origin; Rachel, the wife of Jacob. weeping [for] κλαίουσα (klaiousa) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2799.htm">Strong's 2799: </a> To weep, weep for, mourn, lament. Of uncertain affinity; to sob, i.e. Wail aloud. her αὐτῆς (autēs) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. children, τέκνα (tekna) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5043.htm">Strong's 5043: </a> A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. refusing ἤθελεν (ēthelen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. consolation, παρακληθῆναι (paraklēthēnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_3870.htm">Strong's 3870: </a> From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. they are εἰσίν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. no more.” οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/2-18.htm">Matthew 2:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/2-18.htm">Matthew 2:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/2-18.htm">Matthew 2:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/2-18.htm">Matthew 2:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/2-18.htm">Matthew 2:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/2-18.htm">Matthew 2:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/2-18.htm">Matthew 2:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/2-18.htm">Matthew 2:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/2-18.htm">Matthew 2:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/2-18.htm">Matthew 2:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/2-18.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 2:18 A voice was heard in Ramah lamentation (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/2-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 2:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 2:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/2-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 2:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 2:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>