King James Version

What Does Matthew 2:11 Mean?

Matthew 2:11 in the King James Version says “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. presented: or, offered

Matthew 2:11 · KJV


Context

9

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11

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. presented: or, offered

12

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

13

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Finding 'the young child with Mary his mother' emphasizes Jesus' humanity while the Magi's falling down to 'worship' acknowledges His deity. The gifts are symbolic: gold for royalty, frankincense for divinity (used in temple worship), and myrrh for His death (used in burial). These expensive gifts likely funded the family's flight to Egypt and return.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Magi entered 'the house' (not stable), suggesting months had passed. Ancient Near Eastern protocol required bringing gifts when approaching royalty. The gifts were extraordinarily valuable—perhaps equivalent to years of wages.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the most valuable gift you can offer Jesus in worship?
  2. How do the Magi's gifts prophetically reveal Jesus' identity and mission?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
καὶ1 of 30

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐλθόντες2 of 30

when they were come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς3 of 30

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν4 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἰκίαν5 of 30

the house

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

εὗρον6 of 30

they saw

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

τὸ7 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παιδίον8 of 30

the young child

G3813

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

μετὰ9 of 30

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

Μαρίας10 of 30

Mary

G3137

maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females

τῆς11 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μητρὸς12 of 30

mother

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

αὐτῷ13 of 30

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ14 of 30

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πεσόντες15 of 30

fell down

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

προσεκύνησαν16 of 30

and worshipped

G4352

to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)

αὐτῷ17 of 30

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ18 of 30

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀνοίξαντες19 of 30

when they had opened

G455

to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)

τοὺς20 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θησαυροὺς21 of 30

treasures

G2344

a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)

αὐτῷ22 of 30

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

προσήνεγκαν23 of 30

they presented

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

αὐτῷ24 of 30

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

δῶρα25 of 30

gifts

G1435

a present; specially, a sacrifice

χρυσὸν26 of 30

gold

G5557

gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin

καὶ27 of 30

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λίβανον28 of 30

frankincense

G3030

the incense-tree, i.e., (by implication) incense itself

καὶ29 of 30

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σμύρναν30 of 30

myrrh

G4666

myrrh


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 2:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 2:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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