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.” Matthew 2:2, King James Version.
O Come, Let Us Adore Him · Matthew 2:2
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O Come, Let Us Adore Him · Matthew 2:2
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O Come, Let Us Adore Him · Matthew 2:2
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What does Matthew 2:2 mean?
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod, a group of wise men from the east arrived in the capital city of Jerusalem. These men were scholars who studied the skies and ancient writings. Assuming the whole capital would be celebrating a royal birth, they began asking openly around the city for the location of the new prince. Matthew records their famous question in this second verse of chapter 2.
What it means
The travelers begin with a bold inquiry: “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” King Herod had been given his title by the Roman government, not by birthright. By asking for one who is “born King of the Jews,” the wise men point to the rightful, promised Messiah from the line of David. Next, they explain how they knew to come: “for we have seen his star in the east.” While living in their eastern homeland, God gave them a remarkable sign in the heavens that matched old prophecies, such as Numbers 24:17, which spoke of a star rising out of Jacob. Finally, they state their single purpose: “and are come to worship him.” They did not travel hundreds of miles out of mere curiosity. They came to bow down in reverence before a ruler far greater than any earthly monarch.
Living it out
The wise men reorganized their time, wealth, and comfort around one goal: finding and honoring Jesus. Their words remind us to look at what actually drives our daily schedule. Even when the people around us in our own communities seem unaware of Christ, just as Jerusalem was, we can still seek Him openly and put worship first in our homes. Our O Come, Let Us Adore Him design features this exact KJV verse on made-to-order tees, hoodies, and crewnecks right on this page.
Frequently asked
How did King Herod react to the question in Matthew 2:2? According to Matthew 2:3, Herod was deeply troubled, and all Jerusalem with him, because he saw a newborn rightful king as a threat to his throne.
How many wise men were there in Matthew 2? The Bible does not state how many wise men came; tradition often says three only because Matthew 2:11 mentions three gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.