Matthew 2:1

The Visit of the Wise Men

2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, in the time of King Herod, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem

Matthew 2:3

2:3 When King Herod heard this he was alarmed, and all Jerusalem with him.

Matthew 2:16

2:16 When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he became enraged. He sent men to kill all the children in Bethlehem and throughout the surrounding region from the age of two and under, according to the time he had learned from the wise men.


map For location see Map5-B1; Map7-E2; Map8-E2; Map10-B4.

tn Grk “in the days.”

sn King Herod was Herod the Great, who ruled Palestine from 37 b.c. until he died in 4 b.c. He was known for his extensive building projects (including the temple in Jerusalem) and for his cruelty.

sn The Greek term magi here describes a class of wise men and priests who were astrologers (L&N 32.40).

map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.

sn See the note on King Herod in 2:1.

sn See the note on King Herod in 2:1. Note the fulfillment of the prophecy given by the angel in 2:13.

tn Or “soldiers.”

map For location see Map5-B1; Map7-E2; Map8-E2; Map10-B4.