Matthew 2:1

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Matthew 2:1 initiates the narrative of Jesus' early life, immediately following the account of His miraculous birth and divine lineage. This pivotal verse establishes the precise historical and geographical context of the Messiah's arrival, highlighting His birth in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of King Herod, and introduces the mysterious arrival of wise men from the East in Jerusalem, signaling the beginning of both adoration and opposition to the newborn King.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 2:1 serves as the crucial transition from the genealogy and birth narrative of [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus") into the dramatic events of Jesus' infancy. [Matthew 1:18-25](/matthew/1-18-25 "Matthew 1:18-25 - The Birth of Jesus Foretold") details the miraculous conception and birth in Bethlehem, emphasizing Joseph's role and the fulfillment of prophecy concerning Emmanuel. Chapter 2 then immediately plunges into the external reactions to this birth, first with the arrival of the wise men and their search for the "King of the Jews," which directly precipitates Herod's murderous response and the subsequent flight to Egypt. This verse, therefore, sets the stage for a series of divine interventions and human responses that underscore Jesus' identity and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan amidst human intrigue.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "in the days of Herod the king" refers to Herod I, known as Herod the Great, who ruled Judea as a Roman client king from 37 BC to 4 BC. His reign was marked by immense building projects (like the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem) but also by extreme paranoia, cruelty, and ruthless suppression of any perceived threats to his power, including the execution of his own family members. Bethlehem, a small town south of Jerusalem, held profound significance as the birthplace of King David and was prophetically designated as the Messiah's birthplace in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem as the Messiah's Birthplace"). The "wise men from the east" (Magi) were likely Persian or Babylonian astrologer-priests, revered for their wisdom and knowledge of the stars. Their journey from the East to Jerusalem, the capital, indicates their expectation of finding a newly born king of the Jews in the political and religious center.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 2:1 introduces and reinforces several significant themes that permeate the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Prophetic Fulfillment**, specifically the birth in Bethlehem as foretold in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem, the Birthplace of the Ruler of Israel"), underscoring God's meticulous and sovereign plan. Secondly, it immediately juxtaposes **Divine Authority with Human Power**, setting the stage for the clash between God's chosen King and Herod's earthly, tyrannical rule, a theme that will continue throughout Jesus' ministry. Thirdly, the arrival of the wise men from the East introduces the theme of **Gentile Inclusion**, foreshadowing the universal scope of salvation and the recognition of Jesus as Messiah by those outside of Israel, a concept echoed in prophecies like [Isaiah 60:3](/isaiah/60-3 "Isaiah 60:3 - Nations Coming to Zion's Light"). Finally, the implicit threat posed by Herod's reign signals the theme of **Early Opposition to Christ**, indicating that Jesus' life would be marked by conflict and persecution from its very beginning.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **born (Greek, _gennáō'_):** From G1080. This verb means "to procreate," "to beget," or "to be born." In this context, it specifically refers to Jesus' physical birth. The use of this term emphasizes the reality of His human incarnation, a foundational truth of Christian theology, while the broader context of [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus") affirms its miraculous nature.
* **behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** From G2400. This is an imperative, meaning "lo!" or "see!" It serves as an interjection to draw the reader's attention to something significant and surprising. Here, it highlights the unexpected and divinely orchestrated arrival of the wise men, signaling a moment of dramatic revelation and importance in the narrative.
* **wise men (Greek, _mágos'_):** From G3097. This term, from which we derive "Magi," refers to members of a priestly caste in ancient Persia or Babylonia, known for their study of astronomy, astrology, and ancient wisdom. They were not necessarily kings, but influential scholars or advisors. Their designation here emphasizes their foreign origin and their intellectual pursuit of truth, leading them to recognize the unique significance of the star.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea":** This clause firmly establishes the historical and geographical setting of Jesus' birth. "Bethlehem of Judaea" is crucial, as it directly fulfills the prophecy of [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem as the Messiah's Birthplace"), identifying the specific town in the region of Judea where the Messiah was to be born. The mention of Jesus' birth grounds the divine narrative in human history.
* **"in the days of Herod the king":** This phrase provides the specific political and temporal context. Herod the Great was the Roman-appointed ruler of Judea, known for his ruthlessness. This detail immediately introduces an element of political tension and danger, foreshadowing the conflict that will arise from the news of a new "King of the Jews."
* **"behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem":** This final clause introduces the pivotal characters of the wise men and their dramatic arrival. "Behold" (Greek _idoú_) serves as an attention-grabber, highlighting the significance of their appearance. Their origin "from the east" suggests a distant, non-Jewish land (likely Persia or Babylonia), indicating a Gentile recognition of the Messiah. Their destination, "Jerusalem," the capital city, reflects their expectation of finding a newborn king in the seat of power.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 2:1 employs several significant literary devices. The use of **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the mention of "Herod the king" immediately signals impending conflict and danger for the newborn Jesus, setting a tense tone for the events that follow. The phrase "behold" (Greek _idoú_) acts as an **Exclamatory Interjection**, drawing the reader's attention to the sudden and significant appearance of the wise men, emphasizing the divine orchestration of events. Furthermore, the specific naming of "Bethlehem of Judaea" and "Jerusalem" serves as **Geographical Symbolism**, linking the narrative to specific prophetic fulfillments and the historical centers of Jewish life and power. The arrival of the "wise men from the east" also functions as **Symbolism** for the universal appeal of Christ, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 2:1 is rich with theological significance, primarily emphasizing God's meticulous sovereignty in fulfilling His ancient promises. The precise timing and location of Jesus' birth, occurring under the reign of a specific king and in a prophetically designated town, underscore that Jesus' advent was not a random event but the culmination of divine design. The arrival of the wise men, Gentiles from a distant land, immediately broadens the scope of God's redemptive plan beyond Israel, signaling that the Messiah's salvation is for all peoples, a radical truth for the early Jewish-Christian community. This verse thus sets the stage for a narrative where divine purpose unfolds amidst human political machinations and the unexpected recognition of God's King by outsiders.

* [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem, the Birthplace of the Ruler of Israel")
* [Isaiah 60:3](/isaiah/60-3 "Isaiah 60:3 - Nations Coming to Zion's Light")
* [Luke 2:1-7](/luke/2-1-7 "Luke 2:1-7 - The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 2:1 invites us to marvel at the precision of God's plan and His ability to work through diverse circumstances and people to accomplish His will. The fact that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecy, reminds us that God is faithful to His word, even across centuries. The arrival of the wise men, who were not Jewish, underscores the universal reach of God's grace and the truth that Christ's invitation extends to all, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or prior understanding. Their diligent search, guided by a star, challenges us to pursue Christ with equal earnestness and to recognize His presence even in unexpected places. Moreover, the backdrop of Herod's reign serves as a powerful reminder that God's purposes prevail even in the face of human opposition and darkness. We are called to recognize and worship the true King, just as the wise men did, and to trust that His kingdom will ultimately triumph over all earthly powers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birth in Bethlehem strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness and sovereignty?**
* **What does the arrival of the wise men, non-Jewish seekers, teach us about the universal nature of God's love and the mission of the church today?**
* **In what ways might we, like the wise men, need to step outside our comfort zones or familiar understandings to truly seek and worship Jesus?**
* **How does the presence of Herod in this narrative encourage you to trust God's plan even when faced with powerful opposition or difficult circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "wise men" mentioned in Matthew 2:1, and why did they come to Jerusalem?**

Answer: The "wise men" (Greek: _magoi_) were likely members of a priestly or scholarly caste from Persia or Babylonia, known for their study of astronomy, astrology, and ancient wisdom. They were not necessarily kings, as often depicted in tradition, but learned individuals. They came to Jerusalem because they had observed a celestial phenomenon – a star – which they interpreted as a sign of the birth of a new "King of the Jews." Their journey to Jerusalem, the capital, indicated their expectation of finding this newborn king in the political and religious center of Judea, as they sought to pay homage to Him. Their arrival signifies an early recognition of Jesus' unique kingship by Gentiles, foreshadowing the universal scope of His kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 2:1, while narrating the historical birth of Jesus, profoundly points to His ultimate identity and redemptive work, fulfilling the Old Testament promises and setting the stage for the New Covenant. Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the "City of David," directly fulfills the prophecy of [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Bethlehem, the Birthplace of the Ruler of Israel"), establishing Him as the promised Davidic King, the true Shepherd of Israel. The arrival of the wise men, Gentiles from the East, foreshadows the universal reach of Christ's salvation, demonstrating that He is not merely the King of the Jews but the [Savior of the world](/john/4-42 "John 4:42 - Jesus, the Savior of the World"), drawing all nations to Himself, as prophesied in [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations"). The immediate tension introduced by Herod's reign, a human king threatened by the divine King, prefigures the ongoing conflict between the kingdoms of this world and the [kingdom of God](/luke/17-21 "Luke 17:21 - The Kingdom of God is Within You"), which Jesus inaugurated through His life, death, and resurrection. Ultimately, this verse reveals Jesus as the incarnate God, born into human history to establish His eternal reign, inviting all, Jew and Gentile alike, to [come and worship Him](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Drawing All People to Himself").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Micah 5:2

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

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

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

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

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

Psalms 72:9

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

Psalms 72:12

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