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Matthew 2

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

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.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,

In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

What does Matthew 2:1 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 2:1 recounts the arrival of wise men, traditionally called Magi, from the east to Jerusalem shortly after the birth of Jesus Christ.

This verse is situated at the beginning of Matthew's account of the infancy narrative.

The Magi journey to Jerusalem led by a celestial phenomenon, typically understood to be a star, seeking the newborn "King of the Jews." This particular verse sets the stage for the subsequent events of the Magi's quest to honor Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

On the literal level, the verse speaks about a historical event within the Gospel's narrative framework.

At a deeper level, it foreshadows the recognition of Jesus not only as the Messiah of Israel but also as a figure of significance for all nations, as represented by these foreign wise men.

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Historical Context

The verse is a part of the Gospel of Matthew, which was likely composed in the late first century AD.

The reference to Bethlehem connects to Old Testament prophecy, particularly Micah 5:2, predicting the Messiah's birthplace.

The mention of "Herod the king" refers to Herod the Great, a historical ruler of Judea known for his impressive building projects and his brutal protection of power, including the murder of members of his own family.

Herod the Great’s reign was marked by political turmoil and collaboration with the Roman Empire.

The wise men, or Magi, are thought to have been members of a priestly class from the Persian Empire, known for their expertise in astrology and interpretation of dreams.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse embodies several key insights.

The visit of the Magi is seen as the fulfillment of prophecies indicating that Gentiles would also seek the Jewish Messiah (Isaiah 60:3).

The star leading the Magi is often interpreted as divine guidance, demonstrating God’s sovereignty over creation and his plan to reveal Jesus to the world.

Different theological viewpoints have interpreted the Magi's journey variously. A traditional Christian perspective sees it as a manifestation of Jesus' divine nature and his kingship.

In contrast, a more skeptical scholarly approach may view the account as a theological construct rather than strict historical fact, aimed at conveying the significance of Jesus' birth. There are also eschatological readings that link these events to expectations of the end times.

Practical Applications

The story of the wise men coming to Jerusalem can serve as a lesson in humility and recognition of authority that transcends political and cultural boundaries.

The Magi's journey symbolizes a proactive search for truth and the divine, encouraging individuals to seek spiritual enlightenment actively.

Furthermore, their inclusion in the narrative invites believers to consider inclusivity and universal outreach as central to the Christian message.

Cross-References

Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of the birthplace of the Messiah.
Isaiah 60:3 - Prophecy that Gentiles shall come to the light of Israel.
Psalm 72:10 - Kings shall bring gifts and offer presents to the righteous king.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek of Matthew 2:1 include:

"Βηθλέεμ" (Bethlehem): Meaning "house of bread," a small town in Judea.
"Μάγοι" (Magi): Refers to Persian priestly caste known for astrology, knowledge, and dream interpretation.
"ἀνατολῶν" (from the east): Literally from the rising (of the sun), indicating a direction from where the Magi came.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The story of the Magi can be compared to similar motifs in other ancient cultures, where wise men or seers come to recognize and honor a significant new ruler or deity. The Magi's bearing of gifts fits within a broader tradition of tribute to kings and deities in various cultures.

Additionally, the story of the Magi has similarities with Zoroastrian priests from Persia, emphasizing a long history of astrological tradition and divination in recognizing divine signs.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific point of view, various theories have been proposed about the "star" that guided the Magi, including suggestions that it was a conjunction of planets, a comet, a supernova, or an astrological sign remarkably interpreted by the Magi.

However, no conclusive evidence has been found to clearly identify this phenomenon.

Commentaries

Commentators throughout history have offered various interpretations of Matthew 2:1. Early Church Fathers like Origen of Alexandria saw in the Magi's visit a foreshadowing of Gentile inclusion in salvation. Modern biblical scholars debate the historicity and the symbolism of the event.

Some argue that the story is theological in nature, designed to highlight Jesus' universal kingship and Messianic fulfillment, while others attempt to reconcile the narrative with known historical and astronomical data.

Matthew 2

Matthew 2

What does Matthew 2:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 2:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?