King James Version

What Does Matthew 2:9 Mean?

Matthew 2:9 in the King James Version says “When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it ca... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 2:9 · KJV


Context

7

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The star's reappearance and movement to stand over Christ's location demonstrates supernatural guidance, not merely natural astronomy. God used extraordinary means to direct the magi to the Savior, showing His sovereign control over creation to accomplish redemptive purposes. The star's precision in identifying the specific house illustrates God's particular providence, not just general oversight.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The nature of the star (supernatural phenomenon, conjunction of planets, or angel) is debated, but its providential timing and movement are clear. The magi likely arrived months after Christ's birth, when the family had moved to a house (verse 11).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of the star demonstrate His sovereign control over creation for redemptive purposes?
  2. In what ways does God providentially guide His people today, even if through less dramatic means?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
οἱ1 of 25
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 25

When

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀκούσαντες3 of 25

they had heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τοῦ4 of 25
G3588

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

βασιλέως5 of 25

the king

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

ἐπορεύθησαν6 of 25

they departed

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

καὶ7 of 25

and

G2532

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

ἰδού,8 of 25

lo

G2400

used as imperative lo!

9 of 25
G3588

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

ἀστὴρ10 of 25

the star

G792

a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively

ὃν11 of 25

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

εἶδον12 of 25

they saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ἐν13 of 25

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ14 of 25
G3588

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

ἀνατολῇ15 of 25

the east

G395

a rising of light, i.e., dawn (figuratively); by implication, the east (also in plural)

προῆγεν16 of 25

went before

G4254

to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))

αὐτοὺς17 of 25

them

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

ἕως18 of 25

till

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἐλθὼν19 of 25

it came

G2064

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

ἔστη20 of 25

and stood

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

ἐπάνω21 of 25

over

G1883

up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)

οὗ22 of 25

where

G3757

at which place, i.e., where

ἦν23 of 25

was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

τὸ24 of 25
G3588

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

παιδίον25 of 25

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


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 2:9 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 2:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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