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What the Bible Says About Wise Men

Overview

The Bible addresses wise men across 23 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, 1 Kings and Genesis. Closely related themes include Wisdom, Magi, Prophecies Respecting Christ and Solomon. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar and Jesus.

Key Bible verses about wise men

Old Testament

1 Kings

1 Kings 4:29

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.

1 Kings 4:30

And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

1 Kings 4:31

For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.

1 Kings 4:32

And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.

1 Kings 4:33

And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.

1 Kings 4:34

And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.

New Testament

Matthew

Matthew 2:1

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

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.

Matthew 2:3

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

Matthew 2:4

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

Matthew 2:5

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

Matthew 2:6

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. rule: or, feed

Matthew 2:7

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

Matthew 2:8

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.

Matthew 2:9

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.

Matthew 2:10

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

Matthew 2:11

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

Matthew 2:12

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

People in the Bible and wise men

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying wise men for yourself

  • Begin with Genesis 41:8, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Matthew, 1 Kings and Genesis each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar and Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Wisdom, Magi, Prophecies Respecting Christ and Solomon.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about wise men?

The Bible addresses wise men across 23 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, 1 Kings and Genesis. Closely related themes include Wisdom, Magi, Prophecies Respecting Christ and Solomon. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar and Jesus.

How many Bible verses are about wise men?

The Bible references wise men in 23 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention wise men?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 41:8: “And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.”

Which people in the Bible are associated with wise men?

Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar and Jesus.

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