Herod the Great Bible — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on herod the great bible, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Matthew 2:1 (KJV)
Where was Jesus born?
Answer: Bethlehem of Judaea
Study note. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king. (Matthew 2:1)
Lesson 2 · Matthew 2:1 (KJV)
Who came from the east to Jerusalem asking about the newborn King of the Jews?
Answer: Wise men from the east
Study note. Behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? (Matthew 2:1-2)
Lesson 3 · Matthew 2:3 (KJV)
How did Herod react when he heard about the King of the Jews?
Answer: He was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him
Study note. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (Matthew 2:3)
Lesson 4 · Matthew 2:4 (KJV)
What did Herod ask the chief priests and scribes?
Answer: Where Christ should be born
Study note. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. (Matthew 2:4)
Lesson 5 · Matthew 2:5 (KJV)
Where did they say the Christ would be born?
Answer: Bethlehem of Judaea
Study note. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet. (Matthew 2:5)
Lesson 6 · Matthew 2:7 (KJV)
What did Herod secretly ask the wise men?
Answer: What time the star appeared
Study note. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. (Matthew 2:7)
Lesson 7 · Matthew 2:8 (KJV)
What did Herod tell the wise men to do?
Answer: Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again
Study note. 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. (Matthew 2:8)
Lesson 8 · Matthew 2:12 (KJV)
How did the wise men avoid returning to Herod?
Answer: They were warned of God in a dream
Study note. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. (Matthew 2:12)
Lesson 9 · Matthew 2:16 (KJV)
What did Herod do when he realized the wise men had not returned?
Answer: He sent and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under
Study note. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under. (Matthew 2:16)
Lesson 10 · Matthew 2:17 (KJV)
What prophecy was fulfilled by the slaughter of the innocents?
Answer: Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not
Study note. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, 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. (Matthew 2:17-18)
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does herod the great bible point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?