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.
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλέως
the king
G935
βασιλέως
the king
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
5 of 25
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
ἐπορεύθησαν
they departed
G4198
ἐπορεύθησαν
they departed
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
6 of 25
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀστὴρ
the star
G792
ἀστὴρ
the star
Strong's:
G792
Word #:
10 of 25
a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively
ὃν
which
G3739
ὃν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
εἶδον
they saw
G1492
εἶδον
they saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
12 of 25
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνατολῇ
the east
G395
ἀνατολῇ
the east
Strong's:
G395
Word #:
15 of 25
a rising of light, i.e., dawn (figuratively); by implication, the east (also in plural)
προῆγεν
went before
G4254
προῆγεν
went before
Strong's:
G4254
Word #:
16 of 25
to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 25
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
ἕως
till
G2193
ἕως
till
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
18 of 25
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
ἐλθὼν
it came
G2064
ἐλθὼν
it came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
19 of 25
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἔστη
and stood
G2476
ἔστη
and stood
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
20 of 25
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ἐπάνω
over
G1883
ἐπάνω
over
Strong's:
G1883
Word #:
21 of 25
up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)
Cross References
Matthew 2:2Saying, 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.2 Peter 1:19We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:Psalms 25:12What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.Proverbs 8:17I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Historical 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).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's use of the star demonstrate His sovereign control over creation for redemptive purposes?
- In what ways does God providentially guide His people today, even if through less dramatic means?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.