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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 2:10 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 2:10 recounts the reaction of the Magi upon seeing the star that they interpreted as heralding the birth of Jesus Christ: "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." The literal meaning of the verse describes a moment of profound happiness experienced by the wise men at the sight of the star, which they had been following as it led them to Jesus.

On a deeper level, their rejoicing can be understood as a fulfillment of ancient prophecies and a recognition of the significance of Christ's birth for humanity.

It also reflects a spiritual epiphany and the joy of finding divine guidance in one's life.

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Historical Context

During the time period of Matthew's Gospel, stars and celestial events were often interpreted as omens.

The Magi, or wise men, likely astrologers, sought to understand the world and God's plan through the study of the stars.

This star, referred to as the Star of Bethlehem, signaled to them the birth of a new king of the Jews.

Their journey to find Jesus and pay him homage reflects the broader theme of Matthew's Gospel, which emphasizes Jesus as the Messiah for all people, Jew and Gentile alike.

Theological Insights

This verse holds several theological implications. Firstly, it emphasizes the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah by Gentiles, represented by the Magi. This supports the Christian belief in the universal scope of Jesus's mission.

Additionally, the Magi's rejoicing can be seen as an embodiment of human response to divine revelation. Their joy is not merely for the discovery of a child but for the realization of God's promise to humanity.

Furthermore, some Christian theologians interpret the star as a sign of God's guidance, leading believers to Christ, the Light of the World.

Practical Applications

The verse encourages believers to seek and celebrate divine revelation in their lives.

When individuals encounter signs of spiritual truth or feel guided towards a deeper understanding of their faith, they can reflect on the joy of the Magi and embrace that joy in their hearts.

Furthermore, the verse can inspire believers to remain attentive and open to God's direction, recognizing that guidance can appear in unexpected forms.

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."
Numbers 24:17: "I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth."
Luke 2:10: "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
Psalm 72:10: "The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word for "rejoiced" is "ἐχάρησαν" (echaresan), which is the aorist indicative form of "χαίρω" (chairo), meaning to be glad or rejoice.

The phrase "with exceeding great joy" translates to "χαρὰν μεγάλην σφόδρα" (charan megalen sphodra). "Χαρὰν" (charan) refers to joy or gladness, "μεγάλην" (megalēn) denotes greatness or vastness, and "σφόδρα" (sphodra) intensifies the expression to mean exceedingly or greatly.

The choice of words in Greek indicates an overwhelming sense of happiness.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient world, the appearance of new stars or celestial phenomena was often associated with important events, such as births of kings or gods.

For example, in Roman mythology, the appearance of a comet was sometimes interpreted as an omen of the deification of an emperor.

In this biblical narrative, the star functions similarly to herald the arrival of someone of great significance, Jesus of Nazareth, and it parallels cultural expectations of divine signaling.

Scientific Perspectives

While Matthew's account depicts a miraculous event led by a star, some modern astronomers and scholars have attempted to provide natural explanations for the Star of Bethlehem.

Various theories have been proposed, including a supernova, a comet, or a planetary conjunction.

However, the exact nature of this celestial event remains a subject of speculation and debate, as no definitive astronomical record exists to corroborate the biblical narrative.

Commentaries

Scholarly commentaries on Matthew 2:10 often emphasize the significance of the Magi's joy as an appropriate response to their long journey and the fulfillment of their quest.

Commentators note that the Magi, as Gentiles, are some of the first to acknowledge Jesus as the king of the Jews, signaling the broader messianic purpose Jesus would fulfill.

Some commentaries also hypothesize on the nature and origin of the star, though most agree that its primary function within the Gospel is as a sign from God rather than a purely astronomical event.

Matthew 2

Matthew 2

What does Matthew 2:10 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 2:10 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?