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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/2-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/40_Mat_02_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 2:1 - The Pilgrimage of the Magi" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/2-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/2-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/1-25.htm" title="Matthew 1:25">◄</a> Matthew 2:1 <a href="/matthew/2-2.htm" title="Matthew 2:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/2.htm">New International Version</a> After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem <a href="/nlt/matthew/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, <a href="/esv/matthew/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, <a href="/bsb/matthew/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, <a href="/blb/matthew/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now Jesus having been born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, <a href="/kjv/matthew/2.htm">King James Bible</a> 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, <a href="/nkjv/matthew/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, <a href="/nasb_/matthew/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, <a href="/nasb/matthew/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, <a href="/nasb77/matthew/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, <a href="/lsb/matthew/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, <a href="/amp/matthew/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king (Herod the Great), magi (wise men) from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, <a href="/csb/matthew/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, <a href="/hcsb/matthew/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem, <a href="/asv/matthew/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Jud忙a in the days of Herod the king, behold, Wise-men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, <a href="/cev/matthew/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When Jesus was born in the village of Bethlehem in Judea, Herod was king. During this time some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem <a href="/erv/matthew/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, <a href="/gwt/matthew/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea when Herod was king. After Jesus' birth wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem. <a href="/gnt/matthew/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the time when Herod was king. Soon afterward, some men who studied the stars came from the East to Jerusalem <a href="/isv/matthew/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> After Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of King Herod, wise men arrived in Jerusalem from the east <a href="/msb/matthew/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, <a href="/net/matthew/2.htm">NET Bible</a> After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, in the time of King Herod, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem <a href="/nheb/matthew/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, look, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, <a href="/wbt/matthew/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, <a href="/wey/matthew/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now after the birth of Jesus, which took place at Bethlehem in Judaea in the reign of King Herod, excitement was produced in Jerusalem by the arrival of certain Magi from the east, <a href="/web/matthew/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Jesus having been born in Beth-Lehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, <a href="/blb/matthew/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now Jesus having been born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, <a href="/ylt/matthew/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Jesus having been born in Beth-Lehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, lo, mages from the east came to Jerusalem, <a href="/slt/matthew/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jesus born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold the magi from the sunrisings arrived in Jerusalem, saying:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> WHEN Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, when Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judah, in the days of king Herod, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, <a href="/nabre/matthew/2.htm">New American Bible</a> When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judah, in the days of Herod the king, there came Magi from the East to Jerusalem. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Now when Yeshua was born in Bethlehem of Judaea, in the days of Herodus the King, The Magi came from The East to Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem, <a href="/godbey/matthew/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Jesus having been born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came into Jerusalem saying; <a href="/haweis/matthew/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> NOW when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, lo! Magians from the East came to Jerusalem, <a href="/mace/matthew/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the reign of king Herod, certain eastern Magi came to Jerusalem, with this enquiry, <a href="/wey/matthew/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now after the birth of Jesus, which took place at Bethlehem in Judaea in the reign of King Herod, excitement was produced in Jerusalem by the arrival of certain Magi from the east, <a href="/worrell/matthew/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And Jesus having been born in Bethlehem of Judaea, in the days of Herod the King, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, <a href="/worsley/matthew/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came certain wise men from the east to Jerusalem, <a href="/parallel/matthew/2-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=229" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/2.htm">The Pilgrimage of the Magi</a> 1<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">After</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/1080.htm" title="1080: gennēthentos (V-APP-GMS) -- From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.">was born</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/965.htm" title="965: Bēthleem (N-DFS) -- Bethlehem, a town of Judea. Of Hebrew origin; Bethleem, a place in Palestine.">Bethlehem</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2449.htm" title="2449: Ioudaias (N-GFS) -- Judea, a Roman province, capital Jerusalem. Feminine of Ioudaios; the Judaean land, a region of Palestine.">in Judea,</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">during</a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmerais (N-DFP) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">the time</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/935.htm" title="935: basileōs (N-GMS) -- A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.">of King</a> <a href="/greek/2264.htm" title="2264: Hērōdou (N-GMS) -- Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings.">Herod,</a> <a href="/greek/2400.htm" title="2400: idou (V-AMA-2S) -- See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!"></a> <a href="/greek/3097.htm" title="3097: magoi (N-NMP) -- A sorcerer, a magician, a wizard. Of foreign origin; a Magian, i.e. Oriental scientist; by implication, a magician.">Magi</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from the</a> <a href="/greek/395.htm" title="395: anatolōn (N-GFP) -- From anatello; a rising of light, i.e. Dawn; by implication, the east.">east</a> <a href="/greek/3854.htm" title="3854: paregenonto (V-AIM-3P) -- From para and ginomai; to become near, i.e. Approach; by implication, to appear publicly.">arrived</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2414.htm" title="2414: Hierosolyma (N-ANP) -- The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma">Jerusalem,</a> 2asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a> But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. <a href="/luke/2-4.htm">Luke 2:4-7</a> So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. / He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. / While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. ... <a href="/john/7-42.htm">John 7:42</a> Doesn’t the Scripture say that the Christ will come from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” <a href="/numbers/24-17.htm">Numbers 24:17</a> I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth. <a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1-3</a> Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. <a href="/jeremiah/23-5.htm">Jeremiah 23:5</a> Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. <a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Genesis 49:10</a> The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. <a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">1 Samuel 16:1</a> Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.” <a href="/2_samuel/5-2.htm">2 Samuel 5:2</a> Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” <a href="/psalms/72-10.htm">Psalm 72:10-11</a> May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts. / May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him. <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6-7</a> For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. <a href="/hosea/11-1.htm">Hosea 11:1</a> When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son. <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Luke 1:5</a> In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. <a href="/luke/1-26.htm">Luke 1:26-27</a> In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, / to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man named Joseph, who was of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. <a href="/luke/2-11.htm">Luke 2:11</a> Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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,Jesus.<a href="/matthew/1-25.htm">Matthew 1:25</a> And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.<a href="/luke/2-4.htm">Luke 2:4-7</a> And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) … Bethlehem.<a href="/matthew/2-5.htm">Matthew 2:5</a> And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,<a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a> But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.<a href="/luke/2-11.htm">Luke 2:11,15</a> For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord… Herod.<a href="/matthew/2-3.htm">Matthew 2:3,19</a> When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him… <a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Genesis 49:10</a> The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.<a href="/daniel/9-24.htm">Daniel 9:24,25</a> Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy… from.<a href="/genesis/10-30.htm">Genesis 10:30</a> And their dwelling was from Mesha, as thou goest unto Sephar a mount of the east.<a href="/genesis/25-6.htm">Genesis 25:6</a> But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.<a href="/1_kings/4-30.htm">1 Kings 4:30</a> And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/10-21.htm">Arrival</a> <a href="/zechariah/6-10.htm">Arrived</a> <a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Bethlehem</a> <a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Beth-Lehem</a> <a href="/matthew/1-25.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/matthew/1-16.htm">Born</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-8.htm">East</a> <a href="/acts/21-30.htm">Excitement</a> <a href="/acts/23-35.htm">Herod</a> <a href="/malachi/3-4.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/matthew/1-25.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-14.htm">Judaea</a> <a href="/daniel/5-13.htm">Judea</a> <a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Magi</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-15.htm">Produced</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-1.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/1-11.htm">Time</a> <a href="/matthew/1-18.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/8-28.htm">Arrival</a> <a href="/matthew/3-13.htm">Arrived</a> <a href="/matthew/2-5.htm">Bethlehem</a> <a href="/matthew/2-5.htm">Beth-Lehem</a> <a href="/matthew/2-2.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/matthew/2-2.htm">Born</a> <a href="/matthew/2-2.htm">East</a> <a href="/acts/17-8.htm">Excitement</a> <a href="/matthew/2-3.htm">Herod</a> <a href="/matthew/2-3.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/matthew/3-13.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/2-5.htm">Judaea</a> <a href="/matthew/2-5.htm">Judea</a> <a href="/matthew/2-7.htm">Magi</a> <a href="/mark/4-29.htm">Produced</a> <a href="/matthew/2-22.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/2-7.htm">Time</a> <a href="/matthew/2-7.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 2</div>1. <a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">The wise men from the east enquire after Jesus;</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/2-3.htm">at which Herod is alarmed.</a> 9. <a href="/matthew/2-9.htm">They are directed by a star to Bethlehem, worship him, and offer their presents.</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Joseph flees into Egypt with Jesus and his mother.</a> 16. <a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Herod slays the children;</a> 20. <a href="/matthew/2-20.htm">himself dies.</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/2-23.htm">Jesus is brought back again into Galilee to Nazareth.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The Greek word for "born" is "γεννηθέντος" (gennēthentos), indicating a completed action. This emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a>, which foretold the birth of Immanuel. The birth of Jesus is not just a historical event but a divine intervention in human history, marking the beginning of the New Covenant.in Bethlehem Bethlehem, meaning "house of bread" in Hebrew, is a small town with profound significance. It is the birthplace of King David, as noted in <a href="/1_samuel/16.htm">1 Samuel 16:1</a>, and the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah in <a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a>. The choice of Bethlehem underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and highlights the humble beginnings of the King of Kings, contrasting with worldly expectations of grandeur.in Judea Judea was a Roman province at the time, a region with a rich biblical history. It was the heartland of the Jewish people, containing Jerusalem, the center of Jewish worship. The mention of Judea situates the narrative within the broader context of Jewish expectations for a Messiah who would restore Israel. It also reflects the political and social tensions of the time, as Judea was under Roman occupation.during the time of King Herod King Herod, known as Herod the Great, was a Roman-appointed ruler known for his architectural projects and tyrannical rule. His reign was marked by paranoia and brutality, including the infamous massacre of the innocents (<a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Matthew 2:16</a>). Herod's presence in the narrative highlights the political climate into which Jesus was born—a world of oppression and fear, yet one in which God's plan for salvation was unfolding.Magi from the east The Magi, often referred to as wise men or astrologers, were likely scholars from Persia or Babylon. The Greek word "μάγοι" (magoi) suggests they were learned men, possibly familiar with Jewish prophecies through the influence of the Jewish diaspora. Their journey signifies the recognition of Jesus' kingship by the Gentiles, fulfilling prophecies like <a href="/isaiah/60-3.htm">Isaiah 60:3</a>, which speaks of nations coming to the light of Israel.arrived in Jerusalem Jerusalem, the city of David and the spiritual center of Judaism, is where the Magi naturally seek the newborn King. Their arrival in Jerusalem sets the stage for the unfolding drama of Herod's reaction and the subsequent events. It symbolizes the intersection of divine revelation and human politics, as well as the beginning of Jesus' impact on the world. The Magi's journey to Jerusalem reflects the universal call to seek and worship the true King, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>II.(1) In the days of Herod the king.--The death of Herod took place in the year of Rome A.U.C. 750, just before the Passover. This year coincided with what in our common chronology would be B.C. 4--so that we have to recognise the fact that our common reckoning is erroneous, and to fix B.C. 5 or 4 as the date of the Nativity.No facts recorded either in St. Matthew or St. Luke throw much light on the season of the birth of Christ. The flocks and shepherds in the open field indicate spring rather than winter. The received day, December 25th, was not kept as a festival in the East till the time of Chrysostom, and was then received as resting on the tradition of the Roman Church. It has been conjectured, with some probability, that the time was chosen in order to substitute the purified joy of a Christian festival for the license of the Saturnalia which were kept at that season.The time of the arrival of the wise men was probably (we cannot say more) after the Presentation in the Temple of <a href="/luke/2-22.htm" title="And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;">Luke 2:22</a>. The appearance of the star coincided with the birth. The journey from any part of the region vaguely called the East would occupy at least several weeks.Wise men from the east.--The Greek word is Magi. That name appears in <a href="/jeremiah/39-3.htm" title="And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.">Jeremiah 39:3</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/39-13.htm" title="So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushasban, Rabsaris, and Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon's princes;">Jeremiah 39:13</a>, in the name Rab-Mag, "The chief of the Magi." Herodotus speaks of them as a priestly caste of the Medes, known as interpreters of dreams (I. 101, 120). Among the Greeks the word was commonly applied with a tone of scorn to the impostors who claimed supernatural knowledge, and magic was in fact the art of the Magi, and so the word was commonly used throughout the Roman world when the New Testament was written, Simon Magus is Simon the sorcerer. There was however, as side by side with this, a recognition of the higher ideas of which the word was capable, and we can hardly think that the writer of the Gospel would have used it in its lower sense. With him, as with Plato, the Magi were thought of as observers of the heavens, students of the secrets of Nature. Where they came from we cannot tell. The name was too widely spread at this time to lead us to look with certainty to its original home in Persia, and that country was to the North rather than the East of Palestine. The watching of the heavens implied in the narrative belonged to Chaldea rather than Persia. The popular legends that they were three in number, and that they were kings, that they represented the three great races of the sons of Noah, and were named Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, are simply apocryphal additions, originating probably in dramatic representations, and perpetuated by Christian art.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 1-12. - Born at Bethlehem, according to prophecy, he receives there the homage of representatives of the, heathen world. Verse 1. - Now when Jesus; who has just been identified with Christ. But in this chapter the narrative employs only those terms ("Jesus," "young Child") which bystanders might have used. They are purely annalistic, not interpretative. Contrast <a href="/matthew/1-18.htm">Matthew 1:18</a> and Herod's statement of a thee-logical problem (ver. 4). Was born in Bethlehem. The First Gospel, if taken alone would give the impression that Joseph had had no previous connexion with Nazareth. But about the place where Joseph and Mary lived before the birth of Jesus the evangelist did not concern himself (cf ver. 23, note). Of Judaea. For the evangelist's purpose it was most important so to define it as to exclude Bethlehem of Zebulun (<a href="/joshua/19-15.htm">Joshua 19:15</a>). The inhabitants of Bethlehem of Judaea, a market town of a fruitful (Ephratah) district, live chiefly by agriculture, but also for several centuries have manufactured images of saints, rosaries, and fancy articles. Since 1834: it has been almost exclusively occupied by Christians (Socin's Baedeker,' p. 243, seq.). From "the House of Bread" came forth" the true Bread." In the days of Herod the king. Herod the Great and Herod Agrippa II. (<a href="/acts/25-13.htm">Acts 25:13</a>) alone held the legal title of "king" for any time (but cf. <a href="/matthew/14-1.htm">Matthew 14:1</a>, note) - the former as King of the Jews (Josephus, 'Bell. Jud.,' 1:14.4), or King "of the Idumaeans and Samaritans" (Appian, 'Civ., 5:75; vide Schurer, 1:1. 340), by a decree of an express meeting of the Roman senate, B.C. 40; the latter by Claudius's appointment, as king first of Chalcis (A.D. 48-53) and afterwards (A.D. 53-100) of the tetrarchies of Philip and Lysanias (Josephus, 'Bell. Jud.,' 2:12. 8; 13. 2), although Herod Antipas was so spoken of by courtesy ( infra, <a href="/matthew/14-9.htm">Matthew 14:9</a>). As the date of Agrippa II. is quite out of the question, we are almost compelled by this phrase alone to recognize the date of Christ's birth as falling in the lifetime of Herod the Great. Herod the Great died in the spring of A.U.C. 750, our B.C. 4 (Schiirer, 1:1. 466), and as our Lord was born at least forty days earlier, for the purification in the temple must have taken place before Herod's massacre of the innocents, he cannot have been born later than the very beginning of B.C. 4, or the end of B.C. 5. Indeed, upon the most natural deduction from ver. 16, he must have been born some months earlier. The Church, from the days of Justin Martyr ('Ap.,' 1:32), has loved to see in the abolition by Rome of the kingdom of the Jews at the death of Herod, of its native dynasty by Herod's usurnation (Origen, 'Genesis Hom.,' 17:6), the fulfilment of Jacob's prophecy (<a href="/genesis/49-10.htm">Genesis 49:10</a>). Behold, there came Wise Men from the East. The true order, as given in the Revised Version, lays the emphasis on the office, and in a subordinate degree on the home of the strangers - Wise Men from the East came. This translation also hints at the full meaning of the verb ( παρεγένοντο) , of which the connotation is not of the place a quo, but of the publicity of their appearance at the place in quo (cf. <a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">Matthew 3:1</a>). Wise Men (Μάγοι); "astromyens" (Wickliffe); "rages" (Rheims). On this word see especially Schrader ('Cuneiform Inscriptions and the Old Testament') on <a href="/jeremiah/39-3.htm">Jeremiah 39:3</a>. He considers it to be in origin not Iranian (Medo-Persian), but Babylonian, and to have primarily meant either "one who is deep whether in power and reputation or in insight," or one who has fulness of power. It was, perhaps, at first used with special reference to astrologers and interpreters of dreams, and, passing from Babylonia to Media, it became the name of the Median priestly order. In the latter sense it is probably used here. In <a href="/acts/13-6.htm">Acts 13:6-8</a> it, apparently by reversion, is used in its wider meaning. Of the number and rank of those who now came absolutely nothing is known. Of greater importance is Cicero's statement ('De Div.,' 1:41), "Nee quisquam rex Persarum potest esse, qui non ante magorum disciplinam scientiamque perceperit." These Magi spontaneously submit to the Babe. From the East. The proper home of the Magi would thus be Media, and, from the length of time employed on their journey (ver. 16), it is probable that by "the East" we must here understand Media or some other part of the kingdom, of Parthia, into which Media had been mostly absorbed, and in which, in fact, the Magi were now greatly honoured. Many, however (e.g. Lightfoot, 'Her. Hebr.'; and Edersheim, 'Life,' etc., 1:203, who points out that a Jewish kingdom of Yemen then existed), think that these Magi came from Arabia; and with this the tradition, evidently received by Justin Martyr and frequently referred to by him ( οἱ ἀπὸ Ἀρραβίας Μάγοι, 'Trypho,' §§ 77, 78, 88, 102; cf. Reseh, 'Agrapha,' p. 471), perhaps agrees. But Justin's own opinion was that they came from Damascus, which "was and is a part of the land of Arabia" (§ 78). It is noticeable that Justin's tradition is confirmed by the Jerusalem Talmud ('Ber.,' 2:4), which makes an "Arabian" tell a Jew that Messiah is born. The whole passage is worth quoting for its illustration of several details in this chapter. "After this the children of Israel shall be converted, and shall inquire after the Lord their God, and David their king (<a href="/hosea/3-5.htm">Hosea 3:5</a>). Our rabbins say, 'That is King Messias, if he be among the living, his name is David, or if dead, David is his name.' Rabbi Tanchum said, 'Thus I prove it: He sheweth mercy to David his Messiah' (<a href="/psalms/18-50.htm">Psalm 18:50</a>). Rabbi Josua ben Levi saith, 'His name is צמח, a Branch (<a href="/zechariah/3-8.htm">Zechariah 3:8</a>).' Rabbi Judah bar Aibu saith, ' His name is Menahem (that is, Para>klhtov, the Comforter).' And that which happened to a certain Jew, as he was ploughing, agreeth with this business. A certain Arabian travelling, and hearing the ox bellow, said to the Jew at plough, 'O Jew, loose thy oxen, and loose thy ploughs, for, behold, the temple is laid waste!' The ox bellowed the second time; the Arabian saith to him, 'O Jew, Jew, yoke thy oxen, and fit thy ploughs: for, behold, King Messiah is born!' But saith the Jew, 'What is his name?' 'Menahem,' saith he. 'And what is the name of his father?' 'Hezekiah,' saith the Arabian. To whom the Jew, 'But whence is he?' The other answered, ' From the palace of the King of Bethlehem-Judah.' Away he went, and sold his oxen, and his ploughs, and became a seller of infants' swaddling-clothes, going about from town to town. When he came to that city (Bethlehem) all the women bought of him, but the mother of Menahem bought nothing. He heard the voice of the women saying, 'O thou mother of Menahem, thou mother of Menahem, carry thy son the things that are here sold.' But she replied, 'May the enemies of Israel be strandded, because on the day that he was born the temple was laid waste.' To whom he said, 'But we hoped, that as it was laid waste at his feet, so at his feet it would be built again.' She saith, 'I have no money.' To whom he replied, 'But why should this be prejudicial to him? Carry him what you buy here, and if you have no money to-day, after some days I will come back and receive it.' After some days he returns to that city, and saith to her, 'How does the little infant?' And she said, 'From the time you saw me last, spirits [winds] and tempests came, and snatched him away out of my hands.' Rabbi Bon saith, 'What need have we to learn from an Arabian? Is it not plainly written, "And Lebanon shall fall before the Powerful One?" (Esa. 10:34). And what follows after? "A Branch shall come out of the root of Jesse" (Esa. 11:1)'" ('Hor. Hebr.,' in loc.) . To Jerusalem. The capital, where this King would reign, and where information about his birth would most naturally be obtained. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/2-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>After δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. Jesus Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. was born γεννηθέντος (gennēthentos) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1080.htm">Strong's 1080: </a> From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Bethlehem Βηθλέεμ (Bēthleem) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_965.htm">Strong's 965: </a> Bethlehem, a town of Judea. Of Hebrew origin; Bethleem, a place in Palestine. in Judea, Ἰουδαίας (Ioudaias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2449.htm">Strong's 2449: </a> Judea, a Roman province, capital Jerusalem. Feminine of Ioudaios; the Judaean land, a region of Palestine. during ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] time ἡμέραις (hēmerais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. of King βασιλέως (basileōs) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign. Herod, Ἡρῴδου (Hērōdou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2264.htm">Strong's 2264: </a> Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings. Magi μάγοι (magoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> A sorcerer, a magician, a wizard. Of foreign origin; a Magian, i.e. Oriental scientist; by implication, a magician. from [the] ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. east ἀνατολῶν (anatolōn) Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_395.htm">Strong's 395: </a> From anatello; a rising of light, i.e. Dawn; by implication, the east. arrived παρεγένοντο (paregenonto) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3854.htm">Strong's 3854: </a> From para and ginomai; to become near, i.e. Approach; by implication, to appear publicly. in εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. Jerusalem, Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosolyma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2414.htm">Strong's 2414: </a> The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/2-1.htm">Matthew 2:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/2-1.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matt. 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