Matthew 2:2 kjv
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.
Matthew 2:2 nkjv
saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."
Matthew 2:2 niv
and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
Matthew 2:2 esv
saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
Matthew 2:2 nlt
"Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him."
Matthew 2 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Mt 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... | Sets the scene for the Magi's arrival. |
| Mt 2:3 | When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. | Contrast Herod's fear with the Magi's worship. |
| Mt 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... | Describes their actual worship and offerings. |
| Num 24:17 | I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel... | Old Testament prophecy of a star signifying the King/Messiah. |
| Mic 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. | Prophecy confirming Bethlehem as the Messiah's birthplace, tying into the Magi's inquiry. |
| Isa 60:3 | And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. | Prophecy of Gentiles being drawn to the light of God's chosen one. |
| Isa 60:6 | All they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD. | Prophecy relating to distant people bringing valuable gifts, echoing the Magi's actions. |
| Zech 9:9 | Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. | Prophecy of the King's arrival in Jerusalem. |
| Ps 72:10-11 | The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him. | Prophecy of kings and nations bringing gifts and worshipping the Messiah. |
| Jn 1:49 | Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. | Later acknowledgment of Jesus as King, but from a Jewish perspective. |
| Jn 12:13 | Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. | Jewish recognition of Jesus as King during His Triumphal Entry. |
| Lk 2:11 | For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. | Angel's announcement of a Saviour and Lord, linking to King. |
| Rev 1:5 | And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. | Jesus as the ultimate King over all earthly kings. |
| Rev 17:14 | These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings... | Jesus' ultimate triumph as King of Kings. |
| Mt 27:11 | And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. | Pilate's question about Jesus' kingship, culminating at the cross. |
| Jn 18:37 | Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. | Jesus' own testimony of His kingship before Pilate. |
| Acts 2:25-27 | For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face... | Peter connects David's kingship and prophetic understanding to Jesus. |
| Heb 1:6 | And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. | The command for angelic worship of God's Son, aligning with human worship. |
| Ps 2:6 | Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. | Divine declaration of the Messiah's kingship. |
| Phil 2:9-11 | Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord... | Universal worship of Jesus, demonstrating His supreme authority. |
Matthew 2 verses
Matthew 2 2 Meaning
The Magi, Gentile scholars from the East, articulate their purpose in Jerusalem: they seek the newborn King of the Jews, having discerned His arrival through the appearance of a unique star. Their ultimate goal is to offer homage and worship to this King. This verse highlights a remarkable early Gentile recognition of Jesus' royal and divine identity, even before most of the Jewish people acknowledged Him.
Matthew 2 2 Context
Matthew chapter 2 chronicles the early events of Jesus' life after His birth, notably contrasting responses to His advent. The chapter begins with the arrival of the Magi, or "wise men," who come from the East to Jerusalem, signaling the recognition of Jesus by Gentiles. Their query directly addresses King Herod, leading to great consternation within Jerusalem, particularly for Herod himself who felt threatened by the prophecy of a new "King of the Jews." This inquiry then sets off a chain of events including Herod's deceptive attempt to find and kill Jesus, Joseph's divinely guided flight to Egypt, and their eventual return to Nazareth, all portrayed as fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies. The verse fits within the broader context of Gentile inclusion in God's plan of salvation, contrasting with the often skeptical or hostile reaction from Jewish religious authorities and political powers like Herod. Historically, the presence of Magi (often thought to be Persian priest-astrologers) coming from the "east" points to their deep knowledge of astronomy and potentially ancient Jewish messianic traditions or prophecies that had diffused through the ancient world.
Matthew 2 2 Word analysis
- Saying: (Greek: Legontes - λέγοντες) - An active participle, indicating they are in the act of speaking, conveying an urgent and direct inquiry.
- Where is he: (Greek: Pou estin - ποῦ ἐστιν) - A direct and specific geographical question, reflecting their immediate purpose of finding Him.
- that is born: (Greek: Ho techtheis - ὁ τεχθείς) - Literally "the one having been born." This passive perfect participle highlights a completed act in the recent past, focusing on Jesus as the specific, recently arrived individual. It's not a generic future king, but the specific, newly born King.
- King of the Jews: (Greek: Basileus tōn Ioudaiōn - βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων) - This is a crucial title.
- Basileus: "King," denoting ultimate sovereign authority.
- Tōn Ioudaiōn: "of the Jews," indicating the specific people over whom He is King.
- This title, uttered by Gentiles, anticipates Jesus' later proclamation at the cross, ironically by Romans (Pilate) as well, yet contrasted with the rejection by many Jewish leaders. It signals Jesus' messianic identity as Israel's true ruler.
- for we have seen: (Greek: Gar eidomen - γὰρ εἴδομεν) - "For" (gar) indicates the reason or explanation for their question. "We have seen" (eidomen) is a strong verb emphasizing direct observation and certain knowledge.
- his star: (Greek: Autou ton astera - αὐτοῦ τὸν ἀστέρα) - "His" (Autou) points to a unique, personal star belonging specifically to this King. It's not a random celestial event but divinely associated with His birth, setting it apart from any ordinary star. The nature of this star is debated among scholars, whether a natural phenomenon uniquely interpreted, a supernatural light, or a conjunction, but its significance lies in its direct link to the new King.
- in the east: (Greek: En tē anatole - ἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ) - This phrase can be understood in two primary ways, both likely true from their perspective:
- Geographically: "from the east," indicating their origin and where they commenced their journey.
- Astrologically: "at its rising" or "in its appearance (in the eastern sky)," referring to the specific moment and place the star first appeared to them. This emphasizes their observation point. The common scholarly interpretation is "at its rising" or "in the east," as they came from the east having seen it appear there.
- and are come: (Greek: Kai ēltomen - καὶ ἤλθομεν) - Signifies a deliberate journey with a clear purpose, contrasting with any accidental discovery.
- to worship him: (Greek: Proskynēsai autō - προσκυνῆσαι αὐτῷ) - "To worship" (proskyneō) signifies profound reverence and adoration, typically involving prostration. It implies submission to authority and can range from profound respect for a king to divine adoration. Given Jesus' identity, this action ultimately points to divine worship.
Matthew 2 2 Bonus section
- The "star" mentioned in Mt 2:2 is interpreted by scholars in various ways, ranging from a literal supernova, a planetary conjunction (e.g., Jupiter and Saturn, or Jupiter and Venus), a comet, or a unique miraculous light directly sent by God, visible only to the Magi or given special meaning for them. Its nature highlights divine providence guiding those genuinely seeking the Messiah.
- The Magi were likely high-ranking advisors, scholars, or priests, possibly from Persia (modern Iran) or Babylon, known for their study of astrology, philosophy, and ancient traditions. Their recognition of the "King of the Jews" through celestial observation points to the possibility of pagan divination being repurposed by God's providence to guide them to His Son.
- The Magi's seeking of a king, a political figure, but coming to worship Him, speaks to the inherent tension and ultimate divine nature of Jesus' kingdom—not of this world, yet ruling over it.
Matthew 2 2 Commentary
Matthew 2:2 is profoundly significant as it underscores the universal reach of Jesus' kingship. The arrival of the Magi, wise men from Gentile lands, seeking the King of the Jews based on a celestial sign, foreshadows the inclusion of non-Jews into God's redemptive plan. Their precise question and their declared purpose "to worship him" reveals both knowledge (however gained) and a pure heart contrasted sharply with the perturbed King Herod. The "star" serves as a unique, divine beacon, guiding these distant observers to the specific location of the Messiah's birth. This initial, eager Gentile acknowledgment of Jesus as Israel's King and the recipient of worship lays foundational theology for the Gospel's spread to all nations. It is a powerful affirmation of Jesus' divine identity and universal sovereignty right at the beginning of His earthly life narrative in Matthew.