Michael Brooks
The arrival of the Magi is a significant event in the Christian story of the birth of Jesus. The biblical Magi, also known as the Wise Men or Three Kings, are described in the Gospel of Matthew as travellers from the East who followed a star to Bethlehem, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the newborn Jesus. The traditional belief that there were three of them is based on these three gifts, as the Gospel of Matthew does not specify their number. The Magi's visit to Jesus is celebrated during the Christmas season, particularly on Epiphany Eve (January 5th) and Epiphany Day (January 6th) in predominantly Catholic countries. While the Gospel of Matthew does not state how much time passed between Jesus' birth and the Magi's arrival, some scholars estimate it could have been up to one and a half years or even two years later, based on King Herod's command to kill all male children under two years old in Bethlehem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Magi | 3 |
| Names of the Magi | Gaspar, Balthassar, Melchior |
| Other Names of the Magi | Wise Men, Kings |
| Arrival of the Magi | Not present at Jesus' birth, arrived later in Jerusalem |
| Time of Arrival | Some time after Jesus' birth, possibly a year and a half later or even two years later |
| Place of Arrival | Jerusalem |
| Purpose of Arrival | To adore Jesus, to acknowledge the Divinity of the newborn King |
| Countries with Traditions Related to the Arrival of the Magi | Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, German-speaking Catholic areas, Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, the Philippines |
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What You'll Learn
The Magi were likely not Jewish
The traditional nativity story, as depicted in the Christian faith, features the Three Wise Men, or Magi, who followed a star to Bethlehem to bear gifts for Jesus. While the Bible does not specify their religious background, it is often assumed that they were likely not Jewish. There are several reasons for this assumption:
Firstly, the Gospel of Matthew, the only Gospel that mentions the Magi, refers to them as "magoi" in the original Greek text. This term is derived from the Persian word "magush," which designates a class of Zoroastrian wise men or priests. Zoroastrianism was the dominant religion in Persia (modern-day Iran), and it is plausible that the Magi were followers of this faith.
Secondly, the gifts the Magi presented to Jesus—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—have symbolic significance that aligns with non-Jewish cultural and religious traditions. Gold, of course, signifies royalty and wealth. Frankincense is a valuable resin used in incense and has long been associated with divine worship in various ancient cultures, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman. Myrrh is another resinous extract with a bitter scent, often used in anointing oils and burial rituals. These gifts reflect a cultural and religious context that extends beyond Jewish traditions.
Moreover, the star that guided the Magi has been interpreted as a celestial event that would have been visible and significant to astrologers or wise men of the time. Astrology was a prominent aspect of Zoroastrianism and other ancient religions, and the appearance of a new star or comet would have held profound astrological implications. It is unlikely that Jewish scholars, who generally did not practice astrology, would have undertaken a journey based on the appearance of a star.
The absence of any mention of the Magi in the Gospel of Luke further supports the notion that they were not part of the local Jewish community. Luke provides a detailed account of Jesus' birth, including the story of the shepherds who were guided to the newborn Jesus by an angel. If the Magi had been present in Bethlehem at the time, it is reasonable to assume that Luke, being a meticulous historian, would have included them in his narrative.
Finally, the timing of the Magi's arrival suggests that they may have visited Jesus sometime after his birth, possibly even when he was a young child. The Gospel of Matthew mentions that they visited a "house" rather than a manger, indicating that some time may have passed since Jesus' birth. By this time, Jewish customs typically dictated that a mother and newborn child would have remained secluded for a period. The presence of the Magi at this later stage could indicate that they were not bound by these cultural norms, further suggesting that they were from a different cultural and religious background.
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The three gifts they brought
The three gifts that the Magi brought to Jesus were gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts were not just demonstrations of wealth, but also conveyed a deeper meaning. The gold symbolised kingship on earth, acknowledging Jesus as the King of Kings. Frankincense, a type of incense, represented deity, affirming that Jesus was both fully man and fully God. Lastly, myrrh, an embalming oil, foreshadowed Jesus' death and sacrifice.
The gifts of the Magi illuminate the different aspects of Christ's identity. They recognised that Jesus was not just an ordinary man, but held dominion, splendour, and kingship. The Magi actively pursued Jesus, following a star or light in the sky, and their journey is commemorated during the Christmas season, particularly in Latin America and Catholic parts of Europe.
The number of Magi is traditionally believed to be three, corresponding to the three gifts. However, this is not explicitly stated in the Bible, and their identities remain a mystery. They are often referred to as wise men or kings, with names such as Gaspar, Balthassar, and Melchior, and are venerated as saints or martyrs in many Christian communities.
The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are referenced in the popular carol "We Three Kings", where the last verse summarises the interpretation: "Glorious now behold Him arise/King and God and sacrifice." These gifts were not random but held important meanings, signifying who the child was and the salvation he would bring through his death and resurrection.
The Magi's gifts and their journey to worship Jesus continue to be remembered and celebrated by Christians today, serving as a reminder of the significance of Jesus' birth and the different aspects of his identity as King, God, and Sacrificial Lamb.
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The Epiphany
In Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, and German-speaking Catholic areas, a unique tradition involves writing the three kings' initials above the main door of Catholic homes in chalk. This serves as a new year's blessing and is often done by groups of children dressed as the Magi, carrying a star and singing carols as they go door to door.
The specific date of the Magi's arrival is not mentioned in the Bible, but scholars estimate it could have been up to a year and a half after Jesus's birth. This is based on King Herod's command to kill all male children in Bethlehem up to two years old, as he felt threatened by the newborn king. The Gospel of Luke does not mention the Magi, leading to speculation about the timing and location of their visit. However, their inclusion in Matthew's Gospel highlights their significance in recognising and worshipping Jesus as the Messiah, not just for a few people in Israel but for the whole world.
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The Magi as kings
The biblical Magi are commonly referred to as wise men and kings. The identification of the Magi as kings is linked to Old Testament prophecies that describe the Messiah being worshipped by kings in Isaiah 60:3, Psalm 68:29, and Psalm 72:10, which reads, "Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations serve him."
The traditional belief that there were three wise men is a development based on the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh recorded in Matthew 2:11. The number three also corresponds with the three main continents at the time of their visit: Europe, Asia, and Africa. The three names that prevailed over the centuries for the three kings are Gaspar (or Caspar), Melchior, and Balthasar.
The identification of the wise men as kings may have developed from a reading of Psalm 72. By the 5th century AD, the identification of the Magi as kings had become widely accepted. However, the Protestant reformer John Calvin was opposed to referring to the Magi as kings, calling the idea "ridiculous".
The biblical account in Matthew 2 does not mention the number or political status of the Magi, nor does it specify how much time had passed between the birth of Jesus and their arrival. Some Bible scholars suggest that the Magi may have arrived up to a year and a half or even two years after Jesus's birth, based on King Herod's command to kill all male children two years old and under in Matthew 2:16. This suggests that some time had passed since Herod ascertained the age of the Christ child from the Magi.
In Western Christianity and Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the Magi are usually assumed to be three in number, corresponding with each gift. In Syriac Christianity, they often number twelve. The Magi are venerated as saints or martyrs in many Christian communities and are the subject of numerous artworks, legends, and customs.
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The Magi in Christian scriptures
The Biblical Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men, Three Kings, or Three Magi, are prominent figures in Christian tradition. They are distinguished foreigners who visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh in homage to him. The Magi are mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew, which states that they came "from the East" (Greek: "apo anatolōn") to worship the "one who has been born king of the Jews".
The identification of the Magi as kings is linked to Old Testament prophecies that describe the Messiah being worshipped by kings in Isaiah 60:3, Psalm 68:29, and Psalm 72:10. Early readers reinterpreted Matthew in light of these prophecies, and by the third century, they were widely accepted as kings. The number of Magi is traditionally believed to be three, corresponding to the three gifts, but in Syriac Christianity, they are often considered to number twelve.
The names and origins of the Magi are not mentioned in the Bible but have been provided by various traditions. In Western church tradition, the three Magi are commonly known as Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar (or Casper). Balthasar is often depicted as a king of Arabia or Ethiopia, Melchior as a king of Persia, and Gaspar as a king of India. In Eastern Christianity, the Magi have varied names among different traditions. For example, in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, they are known as Hor, Karsudan, and Basanater, while Armenian Catholics refer to them as Kagpha, Badadakharida, and Badadilma.
The Magi's social status is never explicitly stated in the Bible, but some translations describe them as astrologers or wise men. They are believed to have travelled a significant distance, possibly from Persia or modern-day Iran, to Bethlehem, guided by a miraculous star known as the "Star of Bethlehem". The Magi worshipped Jesus and offered him gifts, defied King Herod by leaving Judea by an alternative route, and returned to their own country.
The Adoration of the Magi, or their homage to the infant Jesus, became a popular theme in Christian art, with the earliest known painting on the subject being a 2nd-century fresco in the Priscilla Catacomb of Rome. The Magi are commemorated in Western Christianity on the feast day of Epiphany, sometimes called "Three Kings Day", and they commonly appear in Nativity celebrations. In Eastern Christianity, they are commemorated on Christmas Day.
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Frequently asked questions
The Magi, or wise men, were mysterious figures in the Bible who travelled from the East to acknowledge the divinity of the newborn King Jesus.
The exact timing of the Magi's arrival is not mentioned in the Bible. However, it is believed that they arrived sometime after Jesus's birth, possibly up to a year and a half later.
The arrival of the Magi, who were likely not Jewish, demonstrates the inclusivity of Jesus's message, as he was worshipped by both the lowly (shepherds) and the prominent (Magi).
The Magi brought gifts fit for an earthly king, including gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
After the Magi failed to return to King Herod, he ordered the death of all male children in Bethlehem under the age of two. This event is known as the Flight to Egypt, as Jesus and his family fled to Egypt to escape Herod's decree.
