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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 2:11 mean?

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.

Matthew 2

Matthew 2

What does Matthew 2:11 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 2:11 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?