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NASB | Matthew 2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king (Herod the Great), magi (wise men) from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, |
Subject: Did the Magi visit Bethlehem or Nazareth |
Bible Note: We do not know how long Mary and Joseph remained in Bethlehem. Luke implies that they left following Jesus dedication. We should not be quick to assume that the Magi arrived two years after the birth of Christ. The text only implies that it was two years after the Magi noticed the star. Nothing indicates that the star appeared at His birth. It was a sign for His birth. Herod killing all infants under two years of age could also be influenced by his paranoia. The text is open enough to support the Magi's arrival anywhere from days to two years after Christ's birth. NOTE: Does anyone know if biblical Jewish culture calculated age different from our european method. Several asian cultures consider someone to be one year old at birth. This would impact the interpretation of this text. It also does not say that the Magi followed the star only that they responded to it. The star's location and constellation may have been enough information for them to look for a King of the Jews. We often read into the text details that are not there but that we have recieved through tradition, song, and media. |