New Testament
Matthew 2:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They entered the house and saw the young child with his mother Mary. They fell down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Compare translations
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.
What Matthew 2:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Magi, or wise men, arrive at the home of Mary and Joseph after following a star that led them to Jesus. Upon entering, they find the young child, who is the promised Messiah. Their immediate reaction is to fall down and worship Him, showing their recognition of His divine nature and significance. They then present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which are not only valuable but also symbolically rich. Gold represents Jesus' kingship, frankincense signifies His divinity and role as a priest, and myrrh foreshadows His suffering and death. This moment highlights the importance of acknowledging Jesus' identity and the reverence He deserves as the Son of God.
How to apply Matthew 2:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and honor Jesus in our lives. Just as the Magi brought valuable gifts, we can offer our time, talents, and resources to serve Him. Worship should be a central part of our lives, reflecting our understanding of His significance.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Wise Men Worship the Child (Matthew 2:1–12)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 2:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 2:11
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 2:11 mean?
Matthew 2:11 describes the visit of the Magi to Jesus, where they recognize Him as the Messiah and worship Him. They present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each symbolizing different aspects of His identity and mission.
What is the significance of the gifts in Matthew 2:11?
The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh in Matthew 2:11 are significant as they represent Jesus' kingship (gold), His divine nature and priestly role (frankincense), and foreshadow His suffering and death (myrrh). These gifts highlight the recognition of Jesus' importance.
Who are the Magi in Matthew 2:11?
The Magi, also known as wise men or astrologers, are figures who traveled from the East to find and honor Jesus after His birth. They followed a star that guided them to His location, demonstrating their commitment to seeking the truth.
Why did the Magi worship Jesus in Matthew 2:11?
The Magi worshiped Jesus in Matthew 2:11 because they recognized Him as the divine Messiah and King. Their act of worship signifies their acknowledgment of His authority and the reverence He deserves.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.