2:8a

And: This verse begins with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as And. In some languages, it may be natural to begin 2:8 with a conjunction to show that this was the next thing that Herod did. For example:

Then (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Next

sending them to Bethlehem, he said: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sending them to Bethlehem, he said indicates that the sending and saying occurred at the same time.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

As he sent them to Bethlehem, he said (God’s Word)
-or-
Then he sent them to Bethlehem with these instructions (Good News Translation)

Another way to translate sending them is to put it at the end of 2:8. For example:

8aHe said ⌊to them⌋, 8b“Go ⌊to Bethlehem⌋ and make a careful search for the child. 8cAs soon as you find him, report to me, 8dso that I too may go and worship him.” 8aThen he sent them away.

2:8b

search carefully: The phrase search carefully indicates that Herod wanted them to make sure that they had found the right child.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Look carefully (New Century Version)
-or-
search diligently (English Standard Version)

Child: This word Child refers to a young child, but in this context probably not a baby. Use a term for a child around two years old or younger.

2:8c

report to me: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as report to me refers to telling someone about something or someone. Also, it is implied Herod wanted the wise men to return to him and then tell him.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

come back and tell me (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-

⌊return here and⌋ inform me
-or-
bring me word (English Standard Version)

2:8d

so that I too may go and worship Him: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as so that indicates the purpose for the wise men to tell Herod where the child was. Herod wanted them to report to him in order that he too could go and worship the child. This was what he said.

Herod lied about wanting to worship the child. He really wanted to find him so that he could kill him. If people in your area will think that Herod was truthful about going and worshiping the child, you may want to include some implied information. For example:

“…so that I too may go and worship him.” ⌊He said this deceitfully/lying.⌋

-or-

⌊Then he lied saying,⌋ “⌊Then⌋ I too will go and worship him.”

worship: See the note on 2:2c and translate this word as you did there.

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