Strong's Lexicon magos: Magi, wise men Original Word: μάγος Word Origin: Of foreign origin; related to the Old Persian "magush," referring to a member of a priestly caste. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with "magos" is "חָכָם" (chakam), meaning wise or skillful, though it does not directly translate to the same role as the Magi. Usage: The term "magos" refers to a member of a class of wise men, astrologers, or magicians. In the New Testament, it specifically denotes the wise men from the East who visited Jesus after His birth, guided by a star. These individuals were likely scholars or priests with knowledge of astronomy and possibly astrology, who interpreted celestial events as significant. Cultural and Historical Background: The Magi were part of a priestly caste in ancient Persia, known for their wisdom and knowledge of the stars. They were often advisors to kings and held significant influence in their society. In the context of the New Testament, the Magi's journey to Bethlehem signifies the recognition of Jesus' kingship by Gentiles, highlighting the universal scope of His mission. HELPS Word-studies 3097 mágos (plural, magi) – properly, belonging to "the Magoi, a Median tribe (so Herodotus); a Magian, one of a sacred caste, originally Median, who seem to have conformed to the Persian religion, while retaining some of their old beliefs (v. DB, NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Pers. origin, cf. Rab-mag Definition a Magian, i.e. an (Oriental) astrologer, by impl. a magician NASB Translation magi (4), magician (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3097: μάγοςμάγος, μαγου, ὁ (Hebrew מַג, plural מָגִים; a word of Indo-Germanic origin; cf. Gesenius, Thesaurus, ii., p. 786; J. G. Müller in Herzog viii., p. 678; (Vanicek, Fremdwörter, under the word; but the word is now regarded by many as of Babylonian origin; see Schrader, Keilinschriften as above with 2te Aufl., p. 417ff)); from Sophocles and Herodotus down; the Sept. Daniel 2:2 and several times in Theod. ad Dan. for אַשָׁף; a magus; the name given by the Babylonians (Chaldaeans), Medes, Persians, and others, to the wise men, teachers, priests, physicians, astrologers, seers, interpreters of dreams, augurs, soothsayers, sorcerers etc.; cf. Winers RWB, under the word; J. G. Müller in Herzog, the passage cited, pp. 675-685; Holtzmann in Schenkel iv., p. 84f; (BB. DD., under the word 1. to the oriental wise men (astrologers) who, having discovered by the rising of a remarkable star (see ἀστήρ, and cf. Edersheim, Jesus the Messiah, i. 209ff) that the Messiah had just been born, came to Jerusalem to worship him: Matthew 2:1, 7, 16. 2. to false prophets and sorcerers: Acts 13:6, 8,cf. 8:9,11. Of foreign origin (Rab-Mag); a Magian, i.e. Oriental scientist; by implication, a magician -- sorcerer, wise man. see HEBREW Rab-Mag Englishman's Concordance Matthew 2:1 N-NMPGRK: βασιλέως ἰδοὺ μάγοι ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν NAS: the king, magi from the east KJV: there came wise men from INT: king behold magi from [the] east Matthew 2:7 N-AMP Matthew 2:16 N-GMP Matthew 2:16 N-GMP Acts 13:6 N-AMS Acts 13:8 N-NMS Strong's Greek 3097 |
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