Magi

The Greek word magoi is a transliteration of the Persian magush , who were Zoroastrian priests. They were experts on the motion and reading of the stars, i.e., astronomy and astrology. Greek authors did not have a clear understanding of either Zoroastrianism or what the Persian priests ( magush ) actually did. They viewed them as involved in the da... See more

The Revised Standard Version (1952) and New Revised Standard Version (1989) both used wise men, but the New International Version (1983) and New American Bible (2011), and the latest version of NRSV (2021) all have used Magi, following Jerome’s transliteration.

The shift to Magi and away from wise men indicates that recent scholarship has become uns... See more

Beginning in the 4th century BCE, the use of the term magus became ambiguous and had a double significance. It often acquired contemptuous connation and was used to designate conjurers, sorcerers, and soothsayers (Bidez and Cumont, I, p. 174; Bickerman and Tadmor, p. 252; Papathcophances, p. 105). But the same word was also used for designating wis... See more

The baby Jesus is visited by the 'Three Wise Men' and three shepherds. In the gospels the 'Three Wise Men' are actually called the 'Magi'. The Magi were followers of the Persian Mystery godman Mithras. His birthday is celebrated on 25 December — exactly the same date that is celebrated as the birthday of Jesus. Mithras' birth was even said to have

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