Matthew 2:9
New International Version
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.

New Living Translation
After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.

English Standard Version
After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.

Berean Standard Bible
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the Child was.

Berean Literal Bible
And having heard the king, they departed. And behold, the star they had seen in the east went before them until, having arrived, it stood over the place where the Child was.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.

New American Standard Bible
After hearing the king, they went on their way; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on ahead of them until it came to a stop over the place where the Child was to be found.

NASB 1995
After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.

NASB 1977
And having heard the king, they went their way; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now after hearing the king, they went their way; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the east, was going on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.

Amplified Bible
After hearing the king, they went their way; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them [continually leading the way] until it came and stood over the place where the young Child was.

Christian Standard Bible
After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen in the east! It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was.

American Standard Version
And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

Contemporary English Version
The wise men listened to what the king said and then left. And the star they had seen in the east went on ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.

English Revised Version
And they, having heard the king, went their way; and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After they had heard the king, they started out. The star they had seen rising led them until it stopped over the place where the child was.

International Standard Version
After listening to the king, they set out, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.

Majority Standard Bible
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the Child was.

NET Bible
After listening to the king they left, and once again the star they saw when it rose led them until it stopped above the place where the child was.

New Heart English Bible
And they, having heard the king, went their way; and look, the star which they saw in the east went before them, until it came and stood over where the young child was.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
After hearing what the king said, they went to Bethlehem, while, strange to say, the star they had seen in the east led them on until it came and stood over the place where the babe was.

World English Bible
They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them until it came and stood over where the young child was.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they, having heard the king, departed, and behold, the star, that they saw in the east, went before them, until, having come, it stood over where the Child was.

Berean Literal Bible
And having heard the king, they departed. And behold, the star they had seen in the east went before them until, having arrived, it stood over the place where the Child was.

Young's Literal Translation
And they, having heard the king, departed, and lo, the star, that they did see in the east, did go before them, till, having come, it stood over where the child was.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they having heard the king went forth; and, behold the star they saw in the sunrising, it led before them, till having come, it stood above where the young child was.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when they had heard the king, they went away. And behold, the star that they had seen in the east went before them, even until, arriving, it stood still above the place where the child was.

New American Bible
After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.

New Revised Standard Version
When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When they had heard from the king, they went away; and behold, the same star that they had seen in the east was going before them, until it came and stood just above the place where the infant boy was.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But when they heard from the King, they went, and behold, that star which they had seen in The East went before them, until it came and stood over where The Boy was.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
When they had heard the king, they departed; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over the place where the young child was.

Godbey New Testament
And hearing the king they departed, and, behold, the star which they saw in the east went before them, until having come, it stood above where the young child was.

Haweis New Testament
So having heard the king, they went on; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the East, had gone before them, till it came and stood over the place where the infant was.

Mace New Testament
in obedience to the king, they departed, and immediately the star which they saw in the east, moved on before them, till it came to the place where the infant was, and then stood still.

Weymouth New Testament
After hearing what the king said, they went to Bethlehem, while, strange to say, the star they had seen in the east led them on until it came and stood over the place where the babe was.

Worrell New Testament
And they, having heard the king, departed; and, behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till, having come, it stood over where the Child was.

Worsley New Testament
When they had heard the king, they went: and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went on before them, till it came and stood over the place where the child was.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Pilgrimage of the Magi
8And sending them to Bethlehem, he said: “Go and search carefully for the Child, and when you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the Child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great delight.…

Cross References
Numbers 24:17
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.

Isaiah 60:3
Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Micah 5:2
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.

Psalm 72:10
May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.

Revelation 22:16
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.”

Luke 2:9-11
Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. / But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: / Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!

John 8:12
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Acts 26:13
About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions.

2 Peter 1:19
We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Genesis 49:10
The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.

Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

Jeremiah 23:5
Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land.

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Matthew 2:2
asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

Matthew 2:11
On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.


Treasury of Scripture

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

the star.

Matthew 2:2
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Psalm 25:12
What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.

Proverbs 2:1-6
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; …

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Matthew 2
1. The wise men from the east enquire after Jesus;
3. at which Herod is alarmed.
9. They are directed by a star to Bethlehem, worship him, and offer their presents.
13. Joseph flees into Egypt with Jesus and his mother.
16. Herod slays the children;
20. himself dies.
23. Jesus is brought back again into Galilee to Nazareth.














After they had heard the king
The magi, often referred to as wise men, had an audience with King Herod. This meeting highlights the political tension of the time, as Herod was known for his paranoia and ruthlessness in maintaining power. The magi's visit to Herod fulfills the prophecy of foreign nations recognizing the Messiah, as seen in Isaiah 60:3, which speaks of nations coming to the light of Israel.

they went on their way
The magi's journey signifies obedience and faith. Despite Herod's intentions, they continued their quest to find the newborn King. This reflects the theme of seeking truth and divine guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages trust in the Lord's direction.

and the star they had seen in the east
The star is a significant symbol, often interpreted as a miraculous sign from God. It aligns with Numbers 24:17, which prophesies a star coming out of Jacob. The star's appearance in the east suggests divine intervention guiding the magi, who were likely astrologers familiar with celestial events.

went ahead of them
The star's movement indicates God's active role in leading the magi. This guidance parallels the pillar of cloud and fire that led the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). It underscores the theme of divine providence and direction in fulfilling God's purposes.

until it stood over the place where the Child was
The star's precise positioning over the location of Jesus emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and God's sovereignty. This moment signifies the culmination of the magi's journey and the revelation of the Messiah's humble beginnings. It echoes Micah 5:2, which foretells the ruler coming from Bethlehem, highlighting the significance of Jesus' birthplace.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Magi
Wise men from the East who followed a star to find the newborn King of the Jews. Their journey signifies the recognition of Jesus' kingship by Gentiles.

2. King Herod
The ruling king in Judea at the time, who felt threatened by the news of a new "King of the Jews" and sought to use the Magi to locate Jesus.

3. The Star
A celestial phenomenon that guided the Magi to Jesus. It represents divine guidance and fulfillment of prophecy.

4. The Child (Jesus)
The central figure of the passage, whose birth fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.

5. Bethlehem
The town where Jesus was born, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2 about the Messiah's birthplace.
Teaching Points
Divine Guidance
Just as the star guided the Magi, God provides guidance to those who seek Him. We should be attentive to His leading in our lives.

Fulfillment of Prophecy
The events surrounding Jesus' birth fulfill numerous Old Testament prophecies, affirming the reliability of Scripture and God's sovereign plan.

Worship and Reverence
The Magi's journey and their worship of Jesus remind us of the importance of seeking and honoring Christ in our lives.

God's Revelation to All
The inclusion of the Magi, Gentiles, in the nativity account highlights God's plan of salvation for all people, not just the Jews.(9) Which they saw. . . .--The words would seem to imply that they started in the evening, and, as they started, saw the star in the direction of Bethlehem. In popular language it served to guide them, and so led them on. We need not suppose that they found the child whom they sought in the "manger" described by St. Luke. There had been time for the crowds that had been gathered by the census to disperse, and Joseph and Mary may have found a house in which they could lodge. The expectations that connected Bethlehem with the coming of the Christ might naturally lead them to remain there at least for a season,

Verse 9. - When they had heard the king. There is a slight contrast in the Greek, but they [for their part] having heard the King. They departed; went their way (Revised Version). Took their journey ( ἐπορεύθησαν) . And lo, the star, which they saw in the East. They would, in accordance with Eastern custom, probably travel by night. Observe that the joy they felt at seeing the star (ver. 10) implies that it had not continued visible (ver. 7, note). They had fully used all means; now they receive fresh Divine guidance. In the East (ver. 2, note). Went before them. Continuously ( τροῆγεν); "taking them by the hand and drawing them on" (Chrysostom). Not to show them the way to Bethlehem, for the road was easy, but to assure them of guidance to the Babe, over whose temporary home it stayed. The road to Bethlehem is, and from the nature of the valley must always have been, so nearly straight (until the last half-mile, when there is a sudden turn up the hill) that the star need have moved but slightly. Bethlehem itself is seen soon after passing Mar Elias, a monastery rather more than half-way from Jerusalem (Socin's 'Baedeker,' p. 242). Till it came and stood over where the young Child was. Does the true reading ( ἐστάθη) suggest the unseen hand by which this star was itself guided and stationed (Matthew 27:11)? or is it used with a kind of reflexive force, indicating that it was by no chance that it stood still there - "took its stand" (cf. σταθείς, Luke 18:11, 40; Luke 19:8; Acts 2:14, et al.; cf. also Revelation 8:3; 12:18)?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
After
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

they had heard
ἀκούσαντες (akousantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

king,
βασιλέως (basileōs)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

they went on their way,
ἐπορεύθησαν (eporeuthēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4198: To travel, journey, go, die.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

star
ἀστὴρ (astēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 792: A star. Probably from the base of stronnumi; a star, literally or figuratively.

they had seen
εἶδον (eidon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

east
ἀνατολῇ (anatolē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 395: From anatello; a rising of light, i.e. Dawn; by implication, the east.

went ahead of
προῆγεν (proēgen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4254: From pro and ago; to lead forward; intransitively, to precede (participle, previous).

them
αὐτούς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

until
ἕως (heōs)
Conjunction
Strong's 2193: A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.

it stood
ἐστάθη (estathē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

over
ἐπάνω (epanō)
Preposition
Strong's 1883: From epi and ano; up above, i.e. Over or on.

the place where
οὗ (hou)
Adverb
Strong's 3757: Where, whither, when, in what place. Genitive case of hos as adverb; at which place, i.e. Where.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Child
παιδίον (paidion)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3813: Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian.

was.
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 2:9 They having heard the king went their (Matt. Mat Mt)
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