The Wise Men in the Bible (Who They Were and the Meaning of Their Gifts)

Bibliaon Team

Created and reviewed by our editors

The Bible tells us about wise men or magi from the East who traveled to visit Jesus in Bethlehem and bring Him three gifts. However, some of the details we celebrate as tradition are exactly that traditions we have accepted over time, even though they are not found in Scripture.

The biblical account of the visit of the wise men to the child Jesus is found in Matthew chapter 2. Let’s look at the details it provides:

1. Who They Were and Where They Came From

They were wise men, or magi, from the East. At the time, the term magi was used to describe learned men who studied astrology and astronomy, and who were interested in philosophy, dreams, and any knowledge that could broaden their understanding.

The Eastern lands in that period correspond to what we now know as Iraq, Yemen, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.

2. The Meaning of Their Three Gifts

They brought three gifts with prophetic meaning for the life of Jesus:

Gold - Recognition of His kingship: Jesus, the King of Kings.
Frankincense -A blend of resins used in acts of worship, symbolizing that Jesus is worthy of our praise and adoration.
Myrrh -An ointment used for burial at the time, representing the suffering and death Jesus would endure.

3. When the Wise Men Arrived

More than a year had passed since Jesus’ birth. The wise men did not go directly to Bethlehem, they first went to Jerusalem and spoke with King Herod. From their conversation with him, we know that some time had passed between the moment they first saw the star and the day they arrived at the palace to speak with him.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem - Matthew 2:1

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.
- Matthew 2:1

4. Why Did They Follow the Star?

They saw a very bright star, and since they were well-versed in astrology, they recognized its significance, it signaled the birth of a new king for Israel. So, they decided to go and worship Him. However, they went to Jerusalem, the capital, assuming they would find the new king there.

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

5. What Guided Them?

After speaking with Herod, the star that had first announced Jesus’ birth and inspired their journey appeared to them again. They followed it, and it led them to Bethlehem to the exact place where the child Jesus was.

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.
- Micah 5:2

6. Where Were Jesus and His Parents?

The child was not in a manger but in a house, and that day He was with His mother, Mary. Likely, between one and two years had passed since Jesus’ birth, and the family had already settled into a home.

7. What Did the Wise Men Do When They Arrived at the House?

The wise men immediately worshiped Jesus, they had no trouble recognizing who He was: the King.

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
- Matthew 2:11

8. Does the Bible Tell Us the Names of the Wise Men?

No, the Bible does not tell us the names of the wise men or how many there were in total. By tradition and because they brought three gifts, popular belief is that there were three wise men. They have been given the names Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar, but this is not a biblical fact.

9. What Can We Learn from the Wise Men from the East?

They studied, stayed alert, and recognized the signs. Do we have that same passion for the Scriptures? Are we attentive to the signs of the times?
They recognized Jesus and worshiped Him. Do we notice God’s work in our lives? Do we worship Him wholeheartedly and thank Him for what He has done in us?
They undertook a long journey just to see and know Jesus. Are we willing to sacrifice our comfort and security to follow Him? Do we long to know Him more each day?
They gave valuable gifts, sparing no expense in giving the best they had to Him. Do we give freely to God and to those around us? Do we value our relationship with God more than material possessions?