What does Matthew 2:11 mean?

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And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

Explanation

Matthew 2:11 delineates an event commonly referred to as the visit of the Magi or the Wise Men. The verse describes how these visitors, upon entering the house where Jesus and his mother Mary were, showed him reverence by kneeling or prostrating themselves and then offering gifts of significant value and symbolism. The act of worship denotes recognition of Jesus’ kingly status or divine roles, as the Magi pay homage to a figure prophesied in their understandings to be of great importance. The gifts conveyed—gold, representative of royalty; frankincense, a symbol of deity and used in worship; and myrrh, often associated with suffering and embalming—correspond to different aspects of Jesus’s identity and mission as King, God, and Sacrifice.

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Historical Context

The historical context of this verse arises from the account in the Gospel of Matthew, written within the first century CE in a Hellenistic Jewish environment. The Magi, understood to be wise men or astrologers from the East, possibly Persia, would likely have been familiar with Jewish prophecies and the anticipated arrival of a significant leader—conveyed to them either through a Jewish diaspora or common messianic expectations across various cultures. The visit signifies not only an acknowledgment of Jesus by non-Jews but also the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would be recognized and worshipped by all nations.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological standpoint, this verse encapsulates the universal scope of Jesus’s ministry. Traditionally, the Magi as non-Jews prefigure the Gentile nations accepting Jesus as the Messiah. The gifts offered further enhance these insights, as theologians often interpret them as symbolizing the roles Jesus will play: gold for a King, frankincense for God’s presence in worship, and myrrh foreshadowing his death and resurrection. In Catholic theology, the Epiphany, which commemorates this event, emphasizes the revelation of God’s Son to the Gentiles, while Protestant interpretations may focus on the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies and the spreading of the Gospel beyond Jewish confines.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse encourages individuals to recognize and honor divine presences in their lives. It can inspire acts of worship, the giving of one’s best to God (symbolized through the valuable gifts), and the acknowledgment of Christ’s multifaceted mission. It also promotes openness and inclusivity, reminding believers that the message of Jesus is not limited to a particular culture or group. Furthermore, emulating the Magi’s attentiveness and pursuit of truth could motivate believers to seek spiritual understanding diligently.

Cross-References

Isaiah 60:6 – “The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the LORD.”
Psalm 72:10-11 – “The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.”
Revelation 18:13 – “And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.”

Language Study

“Worshipped” (προσεκύνησαν/prosekynēsan in Greek): The term indicates a gesture of deep respect and homage, often involving kneeling or prostration.
“Treasures” (θησαυρῶν/thēsaurōn): This word refers to a place where valuables are collected and stored. By extension, it means the valuables or wealth themselves.
“Gifts” (δῶρα/dōra): The term dōra represents presents or offerings that hold significant value, either materially or symbolically.
“Gold” (χρυσός/chrysos): A precious metal symbolizing wealth and royalty.
“Frankincense” (λίβανος/libanos): An aromatic resin used in worship and considered precious.
“Myrrh” (σμύρνα/smurna): Another resin, often used in embalming, signifying suffering or death.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to the Biblical Magi presenting gifts to Jesus, it is common in numerous cultures and religions for devotees to bring offerings as signs of respect or worship. In the ancient Near East, presenting tributes to gods or kings was a practice that signified allegiance and honor. Additionally, the Magi, due to their astrological knowledge, are sometimes compared to priestly figures in Zoroastrianism or Babylonian religious circles who would interpret celestial signs.

Scientific Perspectives

The Magi’s guidance by the “star” has often intrigued scientists and astronomers. Several theories propose natural phenomena such as comets, supernovas, or planetary conjunctions to explain the “Star of Bethlehem.” Nonetheless, the interpretation of this as a supernatural occurrence fits within the faith paradigm and may not necessarily align with a scientific worldview. The gifts’ medicinal and preservative properties have also been acknowledged in modern scientific contexts since frankincense and myrrh have been studied for their potential health benefits.

Commentaries

Commentaries provide a range of interpretations on this verse. Matthew Henry’s Commentary sees the actions of the Magi as signs of joy, worship, and generosity. The Jerome Biblical Commentary highlights the fulfillment of prophecies regarding the Messiah being recognized by Gentiles. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges emphasizes the symbolic nature of the gifts. Contemporary scholars often discuss the verse in the context of messianic expectations and the cultural interactions between the Jewish and wider Hellenistic worlds.