Matthew 2:9
What does Matthew 2:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 2:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 2:9 means
After receiving Herod's instructions, the Wise Men departed for Bethlehem. Miraculously, the star they had seen in the East reappeared and guided them directly to the house where the young child was. This divine guidance demonstrates God's sovereign hand in leading them, ensuring they would find Jesus despite Herod's machinations. The star's specific movement and pinpointing of the location highlights a supernatural intervention, confirming that the Wise Men's quest was divinely orchestrated.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
KJV
King James Version · 1611When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And after hearing the king, they went on their way; and the star which they saw in the east went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the young child was.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And they, having heard the king, departed, and lo, the star, that they did see in the east, did go before them, till, having come, it stood over where the child was.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the East, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they having heard the king went their way; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went before them until it came and stood over the place where the little child was.
Context
This verse describes the Wise Men's journey to Bethlehem, directly following Herod's deceptive command. The reappearance of the guiding star emphasizes divine intervention, ensuring their success in finding the child, which leads immediately to their momentous encounter with Jesus in the following verse. This guidance shows God at work, counteracting Herod's evil intentions.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 8:17
I love them that love me; And those that seek me diligently shall find me.
- Psalms 25:12
What man is he that feareth Jehovah? Him shall he instruct in the way that he shall choose.
- 2 Peter 1:19
And we have the word of prophecy made more sure; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts:
- Matthew 2:2
Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
- Proverbs 2:1
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, And lay up my commandments with thee;
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 2.
Devotionals
Devotional
Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
Devotional
The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
Devotional
Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Anger
The Bible addresses anger directly, offering wisdom on its destructive potential and how believers can manage it righteously.
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Can't Sleep Because of Anxious Thoughts
Verses to read in bed when your mind won't stop.