Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV – Easy English Version)

2:1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea. This happened during the time when Herod was king. Some wise men came from the east to Jerusalem.
2:2 They asked, ‘Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose, and we have come to worship him.’
2:3 When King Herod heard this, he was very upset. All the people in Jerusalem were also troubled.
2:4 Herod called together all the leaders of the priests and the teachers of the law. He asked them where the Messiah was to be born.
2:5 They answered, ‘In Bethlehem in Judea. This is what the prophet has written:
2:6 “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are not the least important among the rulers of Judah. For out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”’
2:7 Then Herod called the wise men to meet with him secretly. He found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.
2:8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’
2:9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way. The star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
2:10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
2:12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Vocabulary

  1. Wise men: People who are knowledgeable and seek understanding, often interpreted as magi or scholars.
  2. Worship: To show deep respect or love, especially toward God.
  3. Messiah: The anointed one, a savior or liberator in Jewish and Christian belief.
  4. Frankincense: A fragrant resin used in religious ceremonies and perfumes.
  5. Myrrh: A valuable resin used in perfumes, medicines, and embalming.

Grammar Points

  1. Relative Clauses:

    • “Where is the child who has been born to be king of the Jews?”
    • Explanation: Relative clauses give more information about the noun.
    • Example: The teacher who helped me is very kind.

  2. Indirect Speech:

    • “He asked them where the Messiah was to be born.”
    • Explanation: Indirect speech reports what someone said without quoting directly.
    • Example: She said she would come tomorrow.

  3. Present Perfect Tense:

    • “We have seen his star when it rose.”
    • Explanation: The present perfect tense connects past events to the present.
    • Example: I have finished my homework.