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Bible fact · Direct biblical statement

The Bible does not say there were three wise men

Matthew records three kinds of gifts (gold, frankincense and myrrh) but does not say how many Magi there were. Matthew 2:1–11

Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition

Discover why

"Wise men from the east came to Jerusalem". When they found the child, "Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh." Matthew 2:1Matthew 2:11

The number three in later tradition probably comes from the three gifts. Matthew also does not call them kings. Matthew 2:1–12

What the Bible does not say

The number of visitors, their names and any royal status are not given in Scripture.

Read the passage

Matthew 2:1–11 WEB

1Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 2“Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.” 3When King Herod heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ would be born. 5They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is written through the prophet, 6‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah; for out of you shall come a governor who shall shepherd my people, Israel.’” 7Then Herod secretly called the wise men, and learned from them exactly what time the star appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me word, so that I also may come and worship him.” 9They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them until it came and stood over where the young child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

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For children

The wise men brought three gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. But the Bible does not say how many wise men there were!

See it in Bible facts for kids

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