Matthew 2:11

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἐλθόντες
when they were come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#4
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
οἰκίαν
the house
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
#6
εὗρον
they saw
to find (literally or figuratively)
#7
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
παιδίον
the young child
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
#9
μετὰ
with
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#10
Μαρίας
Mary
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
#11
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
μητρὸς
mother
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
#13
αὐτῷ
him
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
#14
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
πεσόντες
fell down
to fall (literally or figuratively)
#16
προσεκύνησαν
and worshipped
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
#17
αὐτῷ
him
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
#18
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ἀνοίξαντες
when they had opened
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
#20
τοὺς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
θησαυροὺς
treasures
a deposit, i.e., wealth (literally or figuratively)
#22
αὐτῷ
him
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
#23
προσήνεγκαν
they presented
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat
#24
αὐτῷ
him
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
#25
δῶρα
gifts
a present; specially, a sacrifice
#26
χρυσὸν
gold
gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin
#27
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#28
λίβανον
frankincense
the incense-tree, i.e., (by implication) incense itself
#29
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#30
σμύρναν
myrrh
myrrh

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources