Devine Scripture

Matthew 2:1

What does Matthew 2:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 2:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 2:1 means

This verse establishes the setting for the unfolding drama of Jesus' early life. While born in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod, the focus immediately shifts to the arrival of Gentile 'Wise-men' from the East. Their journey signifies a recognition of Jesus' royal status not just within Israel, but among distant nations. Their quest, initiated by a celestial sign, foreshadows the universal impact of Christ's birth, extending beyond the boundaries of Judaism to encompass all peoples. It highlights that the newborn King's significance was perceived even by those outside the covenant.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now when the birth of Jesus took place in Beth-lehem of Judaea, in the days of Herod the king, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now Jesus having been born in Bethlehem of Judaea, in the days of Herod the king, behold magi from the east arrived at Jerusalem, saying,

Context

Chapter 2 immediately follows the account of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, setting the stage for the first external reactions to His arrival. This verse introduces the Wise Men, whose appearance will disrupt the political landscape of Judea and initiate a series of divine interventions. Their coming to Jerusalem, rather than directly to Bethlehem, creates an important tension that drives the subsequent narrative.

v.1This passage

v.2Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Daniel 9:24

    Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy.

  • Matthew 2:19

    But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,

  • Genesis 49:10

    The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh come; And unto him shall the obedience of the peoples be.

  • Micah 5:2

    But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.

  • Isaiah 60:1

    Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of Jehovah is risen upon thee.

  • 1 Kings 4:30

    And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

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