JMNT(i)
3 Now, upon hearing [of it], King Herod was shaken (disturbed; unsettled; agitated; irritated with anxiety; stirred up) – as well as all Jerusalem along with him!
4 Then on gathering together all the chief (or: ranking) priests and scribes (theologians; experts in the Law and Torah) of the People [= those of the Jewish culture and religion], he, one after another, repeatedly investigated from them, ascertaining beside them where the Christ (the Anointed One; = the Messiah) is traditionally being born.
5 So they said to him, "Within Bethlehem [Hebrew: House of Bread], of the Judean [district], for thus it stands written through the prophet,
6 'And you, Bethlehem, [in the] land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders (= leading cities) of Judah, for from out of you will proceed coming forth a Leader and Mentor, which very One will shepherd (= guide, nourish, care for and protect) My People, Israel.'" [Mic. 5:1]
7 Thereupon Herod, at that time, secretly and covertly calling the "great ones" (the magi), ascertained accurately (exactly) from them the time (= the date) of the star's continued appearing and shining (or: of the appearing star; = How long has the star been appearing since its rising in the East? [Vincent's rendering is similar]).
8 So then, sending them into Bethlehem, he said, "As you are going on your way, you men make a diligent search for [him] and inquire exactly concerning the little boy, while examining [the situation]. Now whenever (or: as soon as) you may find [him], report back to me so that, upon coming, I also can myself do it obeisance (or: pay homage to him)."