Keraia
Matthew 2

Matthew 2:1

The Pilgrimage of the Magi · Matthew 2:1–12
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Translations

Modern
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,
Traditional
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Literal
Now on Jesus having been born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,
Latin
Cum ergo natus esset Jesus in Bethlehem Juda in diebus Herodis regis, ecce magi ab oriente venerunt Jerosolymam,

Original

Greek
English
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,

Notes

Matthew 2:1

  • Bethlehem was King David’s hometown (1 Samuel 16:1–13; John 7:42).

  • King Herod was also called "Herod the Great." He had a rapid increase in power. He went from being the governor of Galilee to the king of Galilee, Judea, and Samaria. He was king from 37–4 BC. He was very loyal to Rome. He was famous for impressive building projects. This included a major renovation of the Temple in Jerusalem. His rule also included family conflicts, suspicion, and the murder of his own family members and innocent children (Josephus, Antiquities 15.7.1–5; Matthew 2:16–18).

Matthew 2:1–2

The wise men's focus on the star shows they were astrologers. Their knowledge of the Old Testament (possibly Numbers 24:17) suggests they came from Babylonia, where many Jews lived. These men were Gentiles (non-Jewish people), which hints at God accepting Gentiles in his kingdom (Matthew 8:11–12; 15:21–28; 28:16–20).

All through the Gospel, unlikely Gentiles worship the Jewish Messiah, while many Jewish leaders (Herod, the high priests, the teachers of religious law, and the Pharisees) oppose him.

Matthew 1:1–2:23

This story shows how certain parts of the life of Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. This includes:

  • his family history and birth (chapter 1), and

  • the places he lived as a child (chapter 2).

The story also shows how efforts to stop the plan of God do not work (2:1–15; see also 27:62–66).

Events

Parallels

Micah 5:1–6

People

Herod: The Great, Roman-appointed king of Judea during Jesus' birth Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Places

Bethlehem: City of David's birth and Jesus' birth Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions Judea: The southern region of Israel, centered around Jerusalem

Glossary

Astrology Astronomy Balthasar Bethlehem Census Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Gaspar Gospel of Matthew Jerusalem Jesus Christ Magi Mary Melkon Quirinius

Topics

Bethlehem: A City Southwest of Jerusalem: Birthplace of Jesus Faith: Faith in Christ: The Wise Men from the East Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Heathen: The Magi (The Wise Men from the East) Herod: King of Judah (Herod the Great) Jesus, the Christ: Magi (The Wise Men from the East) Visit (At Bethlehem) King Herod Magi: The Wise Men from the East Who Visited Jesus As an Infant Medo-Persian Kingdom: Celebrated for Wise Men Miracles: Catalogue of The Appearance of the Star Over Bethlehem Modern Judea: Our Lord: Born In Modern Judea: Towns of Bethlehem Prophecies Respecting Christ: Great Persons Coming to Adore Him: Fulfilled Prophecies Respecting Christ: His Being Born in Bethlehem of Judea: Fulfilled Seekers: The Magi The Birth of Christ Wisdom of the Magi (Wise Men from the East) Wise Man Wise Men of the East (The Magi)