Epiphany Bible Verses (January 6) — The Wise Men
KJV scriptures for Epiphany — celebrating the visit of the Magi, Christ revealed to the Gentiles, and the light of the gospel for all nations.
KJV scriptures for Epiphany — celebrating the visit of the Magi, Christ revealed to the Gentiles, and the light of the gospel for all nations.
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." — Matthew 2:1-2 (KJV)
Epiphany (January 6) celebrates the visit of the Wise Men to the Christ-child — and what that visit revealed: Jesus is not just the Savior of Israel, but the Light of the whole world. The word 'epiphany' means 'manifestation' or 'revealing.' These King James verses tell the story of the Magi, recount the prophecies they fulfilled, and celebrate the gospel going out to every nation. Use them for Epiphany services, teaching the Wise Men story, and missions emphasis.
Key Themes of Epiphany Verses
Christ Revealed to the Nations
Epiphany celebrates Jesus made known beyond Israel — the gospel for every tribe, tongue, and people. The Magi were the first Gentile worshippers.
Key Verse: Isaiah 60:3The Three Prophetic Gifts
Gold for a King, frankincense for a Priest, myrrh for One who would die. Even the Magi's gifts preached the gospel.
Key Verse: Matthew 2:11Following the Light
The Magi traveled hundreds of miles following a star. Jesus is now the Light Himself — and He calls every nation to follow Him.
Key Verse: John 8:12Worship from Far Away
The Magi came from the East to fall down and worship. Epiphany invites every culture and continent to do the same.
Key Verse: Matthew 2:11Download the Complete KJV Bible — Free PDF
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Epiphany Verses — KJV Scriptures
Matthew 2:1-2
The Wise Men's quest for the King
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."Read in context
Matthew 2:9-11
The first Gentile worshippers
"When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him."Read in context
Matthew 2:11
The three prophetic gifts of the Magi
"And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."Read in context
Isaiah 60:1-3
The Epiphany prophecy — Gentiles coming to the Light
"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee... And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising."Read in context
Isaiah 60:6
The prophecy fulfilled by the Magi's gifts
"All they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD."Read in context
Numbers 24:17
Balaam's ancient prophecy of Messiah's star
"There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel."Read in context
Luke 2:30-32
Simeon's Epiphany song
"For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."Read in context
John 8:12
Jesus declares Himself the Light the Magi sought
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."Read in context
Ephesians 3:6
The mystery the Wise Men foreshadowed
"That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel."Read in context
Psalm 72:10-11
Kings bringing gifts to the King of kings
"The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him."Read in context
Matthew 28:19
The Great Commission — Epiphany continued
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."Read in context
Revelation 21:24
The Epiphany completed in eternity
"And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it."Read in context
Prayer Points for Epiphany Verses
- •Worship Jesus as King of every nation, not just yours
- •Pray for missionaries taking the gospel to unreached peoples
- •Bring your own 'gifts' — your time, money, talents — to Christ the King
- •Pray for someone of a different culture to come to know Christ
- •Thank God that the gospel reached you — once a Gentile far off
- •Long for the day when every knee bows to Christ
Epiphany reminds us that Christmas was never just for Israel. The Wise Men's journey to Bethlehem was God's first announcement that Jesus is for the world. From a star over Bethlehem to the gospel reaching every continent — the manifestation continues. May we, like the Magi, fall down and worship the King.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epiphany in the Bible?
Epiphany (January 6, twelve days after Christmas) celebrates the visit of the Wise Men to the Christ-child (Matthew 2:1-12) — and the truth it revealed: Jesus came not just for Israel but for the Gentiles, for all nations. The word means 'manifestation' or 'revealing.'
Who were the Wise Men in the Bible?
The Magi were Gentile scholars from 'the east' (likely Persia or Babylon) who studied stars and ancient prophecies. They followed a miraculous star to Bethlehem and worshipped Jesus, presenting gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). The Bible never says how many there were — three is tradition based on the three gifts.
What do gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize?
Christian tradition has long seen the three gifts as prophetic: gold for a King, frankincense (used in temple worship) for a Priest or for His deity, and myrrh (used for embalming) for the One who would die. Even the Magi's gifts preached the full gospel of Christ.
What is the best Bible verse for Epiphany?
Matthew 2:1-2 (the arrival of the Magi), Matthew 2:11 (their worship and gifts), and Isaiah 60:1-3 (the prophecy of Gentiles coming to the light) are the central Epiphany passages. Luke 2:32 ('a light to lighten the Gentiles') is also a key verse.
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