The Visit of the Magi

1 Now after Jesus was aborn in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of bHerod the king, 1magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,

2 “Where is He who has been born aKing of the Jews? For we saw bHis star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the 1Messiah was to be born.

5 They said to him, “aIn Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written 1by the prophet:

6 ‘aAnd you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,

Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah;

For out of you shall come forth a Ruler

Who will bshepherd My people Israel.’ ”

7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them 1the exact time athe star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.”

9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with aMary His mother; and they 1fell to the ground and bworshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.