Matthew 2:1

¶ 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,

Now {G1161} when Jesus {G2424} was born {G1080} in {G1722} Bethlehem {G965} of Judaea {G2449} in {G1722} the days {G2250} of Herod {G2264} the king {G935}, behold {G2400}, there came {G3854} wise men {G3097} from {G575} the east {G395} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414},

After Yeshua was born in Beit-Lechem in the land of Y'hudah during the time when Herod was king, Magi from the east came to Yerushalayim

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, Wise-men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying,

Commentary

Matthew 2:1 opens a pivotal chapter in the Gospel narrative, immediately following the account of Jesus' birth and genealogy in Matthew 1. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events surrounding the infancy of Christ, introducing key characters and geographical locations central to the unfolding divine plan.

Context

The verse firmly places Jesus' birth in Bethlehem of Judaea, a detail crucial for fulfilling Old Testament prophecy, specifically Micah 5:2, which foretold the Messiah's birthplace. The specific timeframe, "in the days of Herod the king," refers to Herod the Great, the Roman-appointed client king of Judea. Herod was known for his ambitious building projects, but also for his extreme paranoia and ruthlessness, which would soon become evident in his reaction to the news of a new king. The arrival of "wise men from the east to Jerusalem" signals an external, non-Jewish recognition of this extraordinary birth, foreshadowing the universal appeal of Christ's message.

Key Themes

  • Prophetic Fulfillment: Jesus' birth in Bethlehem directly fulfills ancient prophecies, underscoring God's meticulous plan for redemption.
  • Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Authority: Even under the rule of a powerful and cruel king like Herod, God's purposes for His Son are being perfectly executed.
  • Gentile Recognition of the Messiah: The wise men, likely non-Jewish scholars or astrologers, come from distant lands to worship the newborn King. This event is a powerful foreshadowing of the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people, a theme prominent throughout the New Testament (e.g., Isaiah 60:3).
  • Early Opposition to Christ: The presence of Herod immediately introduces an element of danger and conflict. The recognition of a new king by the wise men will provoke a violent reaction from the reigning monarch, setting a tone of opposition that will follow Jesus throughout His earthly ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The term "wise men" translates the Greek word magoi (μάγοι), from which we get "Magi." These were not necessarily kings, but likely members of a priestly caste in Persia or Babylonia, known for their study of astronomy, astrology, and ancient wisdom. Their journey "from the east" (anatolōn - ἀνατολῶν) suggests a long and significant expedition, motivated by their understanding of celestial signs pointing to a momentous birth. Their arrival in Jerusalem, the capital, indicates their expectation of finding a king born to the Jewish people.

Practical Application

Matthew 2:1 reminds us that God works through specific times and places, orchestrating events to fulfill His divine will. Just as the wise men were led by a sign to seek Jesus, we too are called to seek Him with diligence and devotion, regardless of our background or origin. The verse also subtly highlights that God's plan often unfolds amidst human challenges and opposition, yet His purposes ultimately prevail. The recognition of Christ by outsiders encourages believers to share the good news universally, knowing that God's invitation extends to all nations.

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Cross-References

  • Micah 5:2 (33 votes)

    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.

  • John 7:42 (20 votes)

    Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?

  • Luke 2:4 (18 votes)

    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:)

  • Luke 2:7 (18 votes)

    And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

  • Luke 2:11 (18 votes)

    For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

  • Psalms 72:9 (17 votes)

    They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.

  • Psalms 72:12 (17 votes)

    For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and [him] that hath no helper.