Matthew 2:7-8

Herod's next step. τότε Ἡρώδης … ἀστέρος : τότε, frequent formula of transition with our evangelist, cf. Matthew 2:16-17; Matthew 4:1; Matthew 4:5; Matthew 4:11, etc. Herod wished to ascertain precisely when the child the Magi had come to worship was born. He assumed that the event would synchronise with the ascent of the star which the Magi had seen in its rising, and which still continued to be seen (φαινομένου). Therefore he made particular inquiries (ἠκρίβωσε) as to the time of the star, i.e., the time of its first appearing. This was a blind, an affectation of great interest in all that related to the child, in whose destinies even the stars were involved.