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Scripture Topic Guide

Bible Verses About The Star Of Bethlehem And The Magi

Early Christian writings consistently say the star guided the Magi to Jesus and that they worshiped him, brought gifts, and went to Bethlehem by that sign. Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tatian, Origen, Tertullian, Clement of Alexandria, and others repeat the same core story, so this is a broad and early belief. Some writers also link the star to Balaam’s prophecy in Numbers and treat it as a sign that Jesus was king, and in Origen it is discussed as a real star-like event.

The evidence is strong for the Magi, the star, Bethlehem, and the gifts, but thinner on details like the star’s exact nature or scientific explanation.

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Early Christian Beliefs About The Star Of Bethlehem And The Magi

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1 Matthew 2:11 2 Matthew 2:1 3 Matthew 2:2 4 Matthew 2:9 5 Matthew 2:7 6 Matthew 2:8 7 Matthew 2:10 8 Matthew 2:16 9 Luke 2:16 10 Jeremiah 10:2

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10 references

Supporting Passages

Matthew 2:11 primary

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

Direct Gospel wording of the gifts.

Matthew 2:1

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Main Gospel setting for the Magi coming from the east.

Matthew 2:2

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Main Gospel wording about seeing the star and coming to worship.

Matthew 2:9

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

Direct Gospel text of the star going before them.

Matthew 2:7

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

Direct Gospel text about Herod asking when the star appeared.

Matthew 2:8

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

Context for the Magi being sent to search for the child.

Matthew 2:10

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Short passage for the Magi's joy at seeing the star.

Matthew 2:16

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

Direct Gospel text for the massacre tied to the wise men's report.

Luke 2:16

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Gospel line about finding the babe in the manger.

Jeremiah 10:2

Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.