The term "wise-men" in the biblical context primarily refers to the magi who visited Jesus after His birth, as described in the Gospel of Matthew. These individuals are often associated with wisdom, knowledge, and the pursuit of truth, and they play a significant role in the nativity narrative.

Biblical Account:

The most notable mention of wise-men is found in Matthew 2:1-12. The passage describes how these magi, often referred to as wise-men, came from the East to Jerusalem, seeking the newborn King of the Jews. They had observed His star rising and came to worship Him. Upon their arrival, they inquired, "Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him" (Matthew 2:2).

King Herod, disturbed by their inquiry, sought to learn more about this child. He consulted with the chief priests and scribes, who informed him that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, as prophesied in Micah 5:2. Herod then secretly met with the wise-men, instructing them to report back once they found the child, under the pretense of wanting to worship Him as well.

Guided by the star, the wise-men found Jesus with His mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. They presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each symbolizing aspects of Christ's identity and mission. Gold represented His kingship, frankincense His divinity, and myrrh His future suffering and death. After being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another route.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The identity and origin of the wise-men have been subjects of much speculation and tradition. The term "magi" suggests they were likely scholars or priests from a region such as Persia or Babylon, known for their knowledge of astrology and sacred writings. Their journey signifies the recognition of Jesus' kingship beyond the Jewish people, highlighting the universal scope of His mission.

The gifts they brought were valuable and held significant meaning. Gold, a precious metal, was often associated with royalty. Frankincense, a fragrant resin used in worship, symbolized divinity. Myrrh, used in embalming, foreshadowed Jesus' suffering and death.

Theological Significance:

The visit of the wise-men underscores several key theological themes. First, it emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's birth and the recognition of His kingship by Gentiles. This event foreshadows the inclusion of all nations in the salvation plan through Christ.

Second, the wise-men's journey and worship highlight the appropriate response to Jesus' birth—seeking, worshiping, and offering gifts. Their actions contrast with Herod's hostility and the indifference of the religious leaders in Jerusalem.

Lastly, the narrative illustrates God's sovereignty and guidance. The star that led the wise-men and the dream that warned them of Herod's intentions demonstrate divine intervention and protection in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Conclusion:

The account of the wise-men in Matthew's Gospel remains a profound testament to the recognition of Jesus as the promised Messiah and King. Their journey from the East, guided by a star, and their homage to the Christ child, continue to inspire believers to seek and worship the Savior with reverence and devotion.5429. phronimos -- practically wise, sensible
... Word Origin from phroneo Definition practically wise, sensible NASB Word Usage more
shrewd (1), prudent (5), sensible (2), shrewd (1), wise (4), wise men (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5429.htm - 8k

4680. sophos -- skilled, wise
... clever. Word Origin a prim. word Definition skilled, wise NASB Word Usage
wise (16), wise man (2), wise men (1), wiser (1). wise. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4680.htm - 6k

2450. chakam -- wise
... skillful persons* (1), skillful* (3), unwise* (1), wailing women (1), who (1), who
are wise (1), wise (64), wise man (21), wise man's (2), wise men (22), wise ...
/hebrew/2450.htm - 6k

2445. chakkim -- a wise man
... men. Word Origin (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to chakam Definition
a wise man NASB Word Usage wise men (14). wise. (Aramaic ...
/hebrew/2445.htm - 6k

The Wise Men's visit.
... THE WISE MEN'S VISIT. ... He thought by so doing to kill Jesus among them, but God prevented
him from doing so. [Illustration: THE WISE MEN BEFORE THE KING.]. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/the wise mens visit.htm

The Wise Men and the Shepherds
... XXIX THE WISE MEN AND THE SHEPHERDS. ... Matthew says that the wise men of the
time were the first to appreciate the coming of Christ. ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/xxix the wise men and.htm

Against the Wise Men of the World, who Fancy that the Earthly ...
... Book XXII. Chapter 4."Against the Wise Men of the World, Who Fancy that the Earthly
Bodies of Men Cannot Be Transferred to a Heavenly Habitation. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 4 against the wise men.htm

The visit of the Wise Men.
... THE BIRTH AND INFANCY OF JESUS THE VISIT OF THE WISE MEN. ... Then Herod privily called
the Wise-men, and learned of them exactly what time the star appeared. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the visit of the wise.htm

The Wise Men Bring Gifts to the Young Child
... THE NEW TESTAMENT THE WISE MEN BRING GIFTS TO THE YOUNG CHILD. ... [Illustration:(C)
Curtis Publishing Company. The Three Wise Men. Painted by WL Taylor]. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the wise men bring gifts.htm

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
... Part First. The Period of Christ's Life Prior to His Ministry. XIII. Eastern
Wise-Men, or Magi, Visit Jesus, the New-Born King. (Jerusalem and Bethlehem, bc4.) ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiii eastern wise-men or magi.htm

The Longing of the Heathen for a Saviour. --The Star of the Wise ...
... CHAPTER III. THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. Section 19. The Longing of the Heathen
for a Saviour."The Star of the Wise Men. Not only dwellers ...
/.../section 19 the longing of.htm

When Amasis the King of Egypt Sent to the Wise Men of Greece
... THE SECOND CENTURY 21 When Amasis the King of Egypt sent to the wise men
of Greece. When Amasis the King of Egypt sent to the wise ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/21 when amasis the king.htm

In Regard to the Prophets among the Jews, Some of them were Wise ...
... Chapter VII. In regard to the prophets among the Jews, some of them were
wise men before? In regard to the prophets among the ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter vii in regard to.htm

Supplementary Note to Chapter ii. The Year of Christ's Birth.
... The visit of the wise men to Bethlehem must have taken place a very few days after
the birth of Jesus, and before His presentation in the temple. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/supplementary note to chapter ii.htm

Wise-men (4 Occurrences)
Wise-men. Wisely, Wise-men. Wiser . Multi-Version Concordance
Wise-men (4 Occurrences). Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was ...
/w/wise-men.htm - 7k

Magicians (16 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:8 It happened in the morning that his spirit was troubled, and he
sent and called for all of Egypt's magicians and wisemen. ...
/m/magicians.htm - 12k

Learned (70 Occurrences)
... Learned (70 Occurrences). Matthew 2:7 Then Herod secretly called the wisemen, and
learned from them exactly what time the star appeared. (WEB ASV). ...
/l/learned.htm - 26k

Arioch (6 Occurrences)
... Nothing else is known about him except that it was he who was commanded to slay
the "wisemen" who failed to repeat to the king his dream and its interpretation ...
/a/arioch.htm - 10k

Magi (4 Occurrences)
... ma'-ji, (Magoi (Matthew 2:1, 7, 16, "Wise-men," the Revised Version (British and
American) and the King James Version, "Magi" the Revised Version margin)): 1 ...
/m/magi.htm - 26k

Interpret (27 Occurrences)
... Genesis 41:8 It happened in the morning that his spirit was troubled, and he
sent and called for all of Egypt's magicians and wisemen. ...
/i/interpret.htm - 15k

Kill (310 Occurrences)
... Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wisemen, was
exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children who were in ...
/k/kill.htm - 36k

Users (9 Occurrences)
... Daniel 2:27 Then Daniel said in answer to the king, No wisemen, or users of secret
arts, or wonder-workers, or readers of signs, are able to make clear to the ...
/u/users.htm - 9k

Jambres (2 Occurrences)
... Exodus 7:11, 22 Egyptian magicians are spoken of, who were called upon by Pharaoh
to oppose Moses and Aaron: "Then Pharaoh also called for the wisemen and the ...
/j/jambres.htm - 11k

Jannes (2 Occurrences)
... Exodus 7:11, 22 Egyptian magicians are spoken of, who were called upon by Pharaoh
to oppose Moses and Aaron: "Then Pharaoh also called for the wisemen and the ...
/j/jannes.htm - 10k

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