Matthew 2:1-12

New International Version

The Magi Visit the Messiah

2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,^(A) during the time of King Herod,^(B) Magi^[a] from the east came to Jerusalem ²and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?^(C) We saw his star^(D) when it rose and have come to worship him.”

³When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵“In Bethlehem^(E) in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

⁶“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’^[b]”^(F)

⁷Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. ⁸He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

⁹After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. ¹¹On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.^(G) Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts^(H) of gold, frankincense and myrrh. ¹²And having been warned^(I) in a dream^(J) not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

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Footnotes

Matthew 2:1 Traditionally wise men
Matthew 2:6 Micah 5:2,4

Psalm 119:49-72

New International Version

ז Zayin

⁴⁹Remember your word^(A) to your servant,
    for you have given me hope.^(B)
⁵⁰My comfort in my suffering is this:
    Your promise preserves my life.^(C)
⁵¹The arrogant mock me^(D) unmercifully,
    but I do not turn^(E) from your law.
⁵²I remember,^(F) Lord, your ancient laws,
    and I find comfort in them.
⁵³Indignation grips me^(G) because of the wicked,
    who have forsaken your law.^(H)
⁵⁴Your decrees are the theme of my song^(I)
    wherever I lodge.
⁵⁵In the night, Lord, I remember^(J) your name,
    that I may keep your law.^(K)
⁵⁶This has been my practice:
    I obey your precepts.^(L)

ח Heth

⁵⁷You are my portion,^(M) Lord;
    I have promised to obey your words.^(N)
⁵⁸I have sought^(O) your face with all my heart;
    be gracious to me^(P) according to your promise.^(Q)
⁵⁹I have considered my ways^(R)
    and have turned my steps to your statutes.
⁶⁰I will hasten and not delay
    to obey your commands.^(S)
⁶¹Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
    I will not forget^(T) your law.
⁶²At midnight^(U) I rise to give you thanks
    for your righteous laws.^(V)
⁶³I am a friend to all who fear you,^(W)
    to all who follow your precepts.^(X)
⁶⁴The earth is filled with your love,^(Y) Lord;
    teach me your decrees.^(Z)

ט Teth

⁶⁵Do good^(AA) to your servant
    according to your word,^(AB) Lord.
⁶⁶Teach me knowledge^(AC) and good judgment,
    for I trust your commands.
⁶⁷Before I was afflicted^(AD) I went astray,^(AE)
    but now I obey your word.^(AF)
⁶⁸You are good,^(AG) and what you do is good;
    teach me your decrees.^(AH)
⁶⁹Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,^(AI)
    I keep your precepts with all my heart.
⁷⁰Their hearts are callous^(AJ) and unfeeling,
    but I delight in your law.
⁷¹It was good for me to be afflicted^(AK)
    so that I might learn your decrees.
⁷²The law from your mouth is more precious to me
    than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.^(AL)