Magi
The Magi are visitors from the East in the Gospel of Matthew who follow a star to the infant Jesus and present gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Gospel of Matthew: The first book of the New Testament, recounting Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Its second chapter is the only biblical account of the Magi’s visit.
Star of Bethlehem: The celestial sign in Matthew’s account that guides the Magi to Jesus. It prompts the journey and leads them to Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Three Wise Men: The traditional Christian title for the Magi, often understood as three kings from the East. Matthew names neither their number nor their royal status; tradition supplied both.
Shepherds at the Nativity: The shepherds who visit the newborn Jesus after receiving an angelic announcement in Luke’s Gospel. Luke’s visitors are local shepherds, unlike Matthew’s foreign Magi.
Matthew 2: The Gospel of Matthew chapter describing the Magi, Herod’s response, and the flight to Egypt. It supplies the star, gifts, and encounter at the house in Bethlehem.
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh: The three gifts the Magi present to the infant Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel. Their materials and later symbolic readings became central to depictions of the visit.
Balthazar: A traditional name for one of the three Magi in Western Christian tradition. Later tradition gives names to visitors whom Matthew leaves unnamed.
Nativity of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke: Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth, featuring a census, a manger, angels, and shepherds. Luke does not include the Magi, whose visit appears in Matthew.
Zoroastrianism: An ancient Iranian religion founded on the teachings associated with Zarathustra. The word Magi is historically associated with an Iranian priestly group, though Matthew does not identify their religion.
Bethlehem: A city in the West Bank traditionally identified as the birthplace of Jesus. Matthew places the child whom the Magi visit in Bethlehem.