Matthew 2:11

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 {G2532} when they were come {G2064} into {G1519} the house {G3614}, they saw {G2147}{G1492} the young child {G3813} with {G3326} Mary {G3137} his {G846} mother {G3384}, and {G2532} fell down {G4098}, and worshipped {G4352} him {G846}: and {G2532} when they had opened {G455} their {G846} treasures {G2344}, they presented {G4374} unto him {G846} gifts {G1435}; gold {G5557}, and {G2532} frankincense {G3030}, and {G2532} myrrh {G4666}.

Upon entering the house, they saw the child with his mother Miryam; and they prostrated themselves and worshipped him. Then they opened their bags and presented him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.

And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary his mother; and they fell down and worshipped him; and opening their treasures they offered unto him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Commentary on Matthew 2:11 (KJV)

Matthew 2:11 recounts a pivotal moment in the early life of Jesus, as the wise men from the East finally locate and worship Him. This verse highlights the profound recognition of Jesus' unique identity by those outside of Israel, contrasting sharply with the hostility of King Herod.

Context

This verse follows the arduous journey of the Magi, or wise men, who traveled from the East, guided by a star, seeking the newborn "King of the Jews." Their arrival in Jerusalem caused a stir, leading them to consult with King Herod, who, under the guise of wanting to worship the child, secretly plotted His destruction (Matthew 2:8). Upon leaving Herod, the star reappeared and led them directly to the house where Jesus was. It is significant that they found Jesus not in a stable, as at His birth, but "in the house," indicating that some time had passed since His initial arrival in Bethlehem.

Key Themes

  • Worship and Recognition: The most striking action in this verse is the Magi's immediate act of worship. They "fell down, and worshipped him." This was not merely bowing to a king, but an act of profound adoration, recognizing Jesus' divine status and supreme authority. Their worship stands in stark contrast to the religious and political leaders in Jerusalem who failed to acknowledge Him.
  • The Revelation of Christ's Kingship: The gifts presented—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—are deeply symbolic and confirm the Magi's understanding of Jesus' identity. These are not ordinary baby gifts but regal offerings, signifying His unique role.
  • Symbolism of the Gifts:
    • Gold: A precious metal, universally associated with royalty and kingship. It symbolizes Jesus' divine kingship and eternal dominion.
    • Frankincense: An aromatic resin used in priestly worship, burnt as incense in the Temple, and associated with divinity. It signifies Jesus' deity and His role as the Great High Priest, the one through whom humanity can approach God.
    • Myrrh: A bitter gum used for embalming and anointing the dead, and also as a perfume. Its inclusion prophetically points to Jesus' future suffering, death, and burial, which would ultimately bring salvation. It foreshadows His sacrificial atonement.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "worshipped" is proskyneō (προσκυνέω), which literally means "to prostrate oneself before" or "to kiss the hand toward." In a religious context, it implies bowing down in reverence or adoration to a divine being. The Magi's action was not merely a respectful greeting but an act of deep spiritual homage, acknowledging Jesus as worthy of divine honor.

Practical Application

The Magi's response to Jesus serves as a powerful model for believers today. Their journey, persistent search, and ultimate act of worship underscore the importance of seeking Christ and offering Him our best. We are called to recognize Jesus not just as a historical figure, but as the reigning King, our High Priest, and the Savior who died for us. Our worship, like the Magi's, should be heartfelt, humble, and sacrificial, offering Him not just material gifts, but our lives and devotion. Understanding the full significance of who Jesus is moves us to surrender and serve Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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 shew forth the praises of the LORD.

  • Psalms 72:10

    The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

  • Matthew 2:2

    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.

  • Luke 2:16

    And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

  • Psalms 95:6

    O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

  • Acts 10:25

    And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped [him].

  • Acts 10:26

    But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

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