magi

May´ji

Sorcerers who, according to Matthew 2, traveled to honor the infant Jesus when he was born. The NRSV’s “wise men” is an inaccurate translation for the Greek magi, which comes from a root meaning “magic.” The magi in Matthew are presented as astrologers who are guided by the stars (Matt 2:2) and as Gentiles who do not know scriptural prophecies concerning the location of the Messiah’s birth (Matt 2:2-6). Popular traditions have portrayed them as three in number because of the three gifts (Matt 2:11), and as kings in light of (Isa 60:3).