Matt 2:1-5
From Feast upon the Word (http://feastupontheword.org). Copyright, Feast upon the Word.
The New Testament > Matthew > Chapter 2
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Contents
Questions
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Lexical notes
- In verse 1, the Greek word translated as "wise men" is magi, the plural of magus, a Persian word that originally referred to a member of the Zoroastrian priesthood caste of the Medes and Persians. It came to refer more broadly to those in the Persian culture who were astrologers, physicians, dream intepreters and the like.
- In verse 2, the Greek words translated as "his star in the east" could also be translated "his star as it rose" or "his star in its rising."
Exegesis
Verses 1-16: The Story of the Wise Men
At the time, new kings were often given gifts by emmissaries of foreign regimes (see related links). The gifts of the wise men can therefore be seen as the trappings of an official recognition of Christ's kingship. No wonder Herod was so threatened.
Related links
- The Oxford Annotated Bible (ISBN 0-19-528485-2) points out in reference to this story that "Foreign regimes often sent emmissaries to greet and give gifts to new kings or rulers" (p. NT10).
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