Biblical Magi Facts for Kids

Several terms redirect here. For other uses, see Three Kings (disambiguation), Wise men (disambiguation) and Three Wise Men (disambiguation)

Major events in Jesus's life in the Gospels
Birth Baptism Temptation Commission of Disciples and Apostles Sermon on the Mount Miracles Entering Jerusalem Cleansing of the Temple Last Supper Promise of the Holy Spirit Arrest and Trial Death and Resurrection Great Commission Ascension Second Coming Prophecy

This old picture from about 565 AD shows the Three Magi. They are wearing clothes that look like what people in Persia wore long ago.

The biblical Magi are also known as the Three Wise Men or Three Kings. They were important visitors in the story of Jesus' birth. The Bible says they came from the east to visit Jesus shortly after he was born. They brought him special gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These figures are a big part of Christmas celebrations and Christian traditions.

The Gospel of Matthew is the only book in the Bible that talks about the Magi. It says they came "from the east" to worship the "king of the Jews." The Bible does not say how many Magi there were.

How Many Wise Men Were There?

Most Christians in the Western world believe there were three Wise Men. This is because they brought three different gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

However, in some Eastern Christian groups, like the Syriac churches, people often believe there were twelve Magi.

Later Christian writings started calling them "kings." This idea might come from old Bible verses. For example, Isaiah 60:1–6 talks about "kings [coming] to the brightness of your dawn" with "gold and frankincense." Also, Psalm 72:11 says, "May all kings fall down before him." These verses helped people see the Magi as kings.

Images for kids

Biblical Magi stained glass window, c. 1896, at Church of the Good Shepherd (Rosemont, Pennsylvania), showing the three magi with Joseph, Mary, and Jesus
The three Magi (named Balthazar, Caspar and Melchior), from Herrad of Landsberg's Hortus deliciarum (12th century)
Caspar by Jan van Bijlert. Oil on panel. Circa 1640–1650
James Tissot: The Magi Journeying (c. 1890), Brooklyn Museum, New York City
Adorazione dei Magi by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, c. 1655 (Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio)
Adoración de los Reyes Magos by El Greco, 1568 (Museo Soumaya, Mexico City)
The Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral, Germany, c. 1200.
Journey of the Magi (top) and Adoration of the Magi (side) on a Limoges champlevé chasse, c. 1200 (Musée de Cluny, Paris)
The Three Wise Men receiving children at a shopping centre in Spain. Letters with gift requests are left in the letterbox on the left-hand side.
Sternsinger in Vienna, Austria
Sternsinger – Christmas carolers in Sanok, Poland
Adoration of the Magi, tondo by Fra Angelico and Filippo Lippi, c. 1450 (NGA, Washington)

Biblical Magi facts for kids

How Many Wise Men Were There?

Images for kids

See also