Matthew 2:4

καὶ συναγαγὼν πάντας τοὺς ἀρχιερεῖς καὶ γραμματεῖς τοῦ λαοῦ, ἐπυνθάνετο παρ᾽ αὐτῶν ποῦ ὁ Χριστὸς γεννᾶται.

RBT Greek Interlinear:

Strongs 2532; kai; καὶ; And; Conj

Strongs 4863; synagagōn; συναγαγὼν; he who has led together; V-APA-NMS

Strongs 3956; pantas; πάντας; all; Adj-AMP

Strongs 3588; tous; τοὺς; the; Art-AMP

Strongs 749; archiereis; ἀρχιερεῖς; as high priests; N-AMP

Strongs 2532; kai; καὶ; and; Conj

Strongs 1122; grammateis; γραμματεῖς; scholars; N-AMP

Strongs 3588; tou; τοῦ; the; Art-GMS

Strongs 2992; laou; λαοῦ; people; N-GMS

Strongs 4441; epynthaneto; ἐπυνθάνετο; he was learning/inquiring; V-IIM/P-3S

Strongs 3844; par’; παρ’; close beside; Prep

Strongs 846; autōn; αὐτῶν; of themselves; PPro-GM3P

Strongs 4226; pou; ποῦ; where; Adv

Strongs 3588; ho; ὁ; the; Art-NMS

Strongs 5547; Christos; Χριστὸς; Christ; N-NMS

Strongs 1080; gennatai; γεννᾶται; he is being begotten; V-PIM/P-3S

RBT Translation:

And he who gathered together all of the High Priests and scholars of the People, was questioning close beside themselves where the Anointed One is being begotten.⁸

LITV Translation:
And having gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked of them where the Christ was to be born.

ESV Translation:
and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

Footnotes

8

Strong's Greek #1122, γραμματεύς (grammateús). Translates to "scribe" or "biblical scholar" in biblical contexts, especially in the New Testament.

Here's a breakdown of its usage and meanings:

1. Secretary: Referring to a state-clerk or administrative officer (Acts 19:35).
2. Military Officer: In some instances, it refers to a military officer (Judges 5:14, 2 Kings 25:19).
3. Scribe or Biblical Scholar: This is the most common usage, particularly in the New Testament. It refers to experts in Jewish law and scripture, often seen as teachers of the Law. In Greek, it's used to describe those knowledgeable in religious matters and skilled in interpreting and teaching the Law. It's synonymous with νομοδιδάσκαλος (nomodidáskalos, teacher of the law) and νομικός (nomikós, legal expert). For example, in Matthew 2:4 and other Gospel passages, it's used in phrases like "scribes and chief priests" to denote religious authorities. They are often portrayed as opponents of Jesus and his teachings, as in Matthew 5:20. In 1 Corinthians 1:20, it's used metaphorically to contrast the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God.

Cf. Logeion γραμματεύς 

He is being begotten/fathered. γεννᾶται (gennatai)  is in the present tense. It indicates an ongoing action or a state in the present time. So, it can be translated as "he is begotten" or "he is being begotten" depending on the context.