Questions About the Wise Men
Every Christmas season, nativity scenes appear in churches and homes, usually featuring three wise men standing beside the manger. Yet when we look closely at Scripture, we discover that many of our assumptions about the wise men are not explicitly stated in the Bible. I want us to explore some of the most common questions about the wise men and what the Bible actually says.
How Many Wise Men Were There?
One of the most common questions about the wise men is: How many wise men visited Jesus? The honest biblical answer is we don’t know for sure how many there were.
Matthew 2:1 simply says, “wise men from the East came to Jerusalem.” No number is given. The tradition of three wise men comes from the three gifts mentioned in Matthew 2:11 —gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Because there were three gifts, many assumed there were three visitors. However, there could have been two, three, or a larger caravan of wise men. Given the importance of the event and the reaction of King Herod and “all Jerusalem” being troubled (Matthew 2:3), it is quite possible the group was sizable enough to draw attention.
Who Were the Wise Men?
The wise men are called Magi, a term often associated with scholars, astrologers, and advisors in the ancient Near East. These were not kings, despite later tradition and hymnology. Rather, they were learned men, trained in astronomy and ancient texts. It is likely they were familiar with Jewish prophecy, possibly influenced by the Jewish exile in Babylon centuries earlier (Daniel 2). This would explain how Gentile scholars came to recognize the significance of a star announcing the birth of the “King of the Jews.”
Where Did They Come From?
Scripture tells us they came “from the East” (Matthew 2:1). This likely points to regions such as Babylon, Persia, or Arabia. Their journey would have taken weeks, possibly months, emphasizing their dedication and the weight they placed on this divine sign.
How Old Was Jesus When They Arrived?
Another common question is whether the wise men arrived on the night Jesus was born. According to Scripture, they did not. Luke 2 describes shepherds visiting Jesus the night of His birth, while Matthew 2 describes the wise men arriving later. When they find Jesus, He is called a “young Child” (Matthew 2:11), not a newborn. Additionally, they find Him in a house, not a stable.
Herod’s command to kill all male children two years old and under (Matthew 2:16) suggests that Jesus could have been anywhere from several months to as much as two years old when the wise men arrived. Most scholars place the visit somewhere between six months and two years after His birth.
Why Did They Follow a Star?
The star is one of the most mysterious elements of the story. The wise men interpreted it as a sign that a king had been born (Matthew 2:2). While many theories exist—supernova, planetary alignment, or a miraculous light—Scripture emphasizes not the scientific explanation, but the divine guidance.
God used a sign familiar to these scholars to draw them to Christ. The same God who used angels to guide shepherds used a star to guide Gentile seekers. This highlights the universal reach of the gospel from the very beginning.
Why Did They Bring Gifts?
The gifts were not random. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh each carried deep meaning. Gold symbolized royalty, frankincense was used in worship, and myrrh was associated with suffering and burial. Together, they point to who Jesus is.
These gifts also likely provided practical support for Mary and Joseph, possibly funding their later escape to Egypt.
I'm not concerned or offended that the wise men are included in the nativity. They are important to the Christmas story. Even though the wise men were Gentiles, they recognized Christ, worshiped Him, and rejoiced exceedingly (Matthew 2:10–11). Jesus came to save everyone who would believe in Him.
In the end, the wise men provide a valuable lesson about worship and giving.