Bible Strands
Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great delight.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The Magi witness the star halt directly over the location of the Child, marking the conclusion of their journey and the moment immediately preceding their entry into the house. This occurs after they have departed from King Herod and followed the celestial sign from the east.
The words — ἐχάρησαν (echarēsan) translates as “they rejoiced,” paired with σφόδρα (sphodra) meaning “exceedingly” or “greatly.” These terms describe the Magi’s immediate emotional response to visually confirming the star’s guidance.
The thread — The motif of rejoicing at divine revelation appears in Psalms 105:3, where seekers of the LORD are called to joy, and in Luke 2:10, where an angel announces good news that produces great joy. Luke 2:20 further parallels this pattern as witnesses respond to fulfilled prophecy with praise.
Why it lands — The text records a factual observation: visual confirmation of the star produced immediate joy in the observers. It requires the reader to acknowledge that divine guidance culminates in a verifiable moment that demands a response of attention and subsequent action.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Cross-references
- Psalms 105:3 Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
- Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:
- Luke 2:20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them.
- Romans 15:9 so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name.”
- Psalms 67:4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You judge the peoples justly and lead the nations of the earth. Selah
- Deuteronomy 32:13 He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him the produce of the field. He nourished him with honey from the rock and oil from the flinty crag,
- Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.