When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

MATTHEW 2:10KJV
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Matthew 2:10 (KJV)

What does Matthew 2:10 mean?

Matthew 2:10 describes how the wise men, upon seeing the star they had been following, were overwhelmed with a very great and intense joy. The verse emphasizes the depth of their happiness and excitement at finding the sign that would lead them to Jesus.

The setting is the visit of the wise men (often called Magi) who have traveled from the east, following a star they believe signals the birth of a special king. When the star stops over the place where Jesus is, their reaction is not just happiness but an outpouring of great joy, showing how much this moment means to them after their long journey.

The Greek behind Matthew 2:10

  • χαίρω (chairō, "rejoiced"): This word means to be glad or delighted. In this verse, it highlights the wise men's emotional response, showing that their joy was not casual but deeply felt.
  • σφόδρα (sphodra, "exceeding"): This word means "very much" or "exceedingly." It intensifies the description, making clear that their joy was not ordinary but overflowing.
  • μεγάλη (megalē, "great"): This word means "large" or "great" and, paired with "exceeding," doubles down on the magnitude of their joy.
  • χαρά (chara, "joy"): This word means "joy" or "gladness." The Greek piles up these words—rejoiced, exceedingly, great, joy—to stress just how overwhelming and complete their happiness was.

Why Matthew 2:10 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that the wise men were simply curious travelers; their reaction shows they understood the importance of what they had found.
  • Matthew 2:10 uses unusually strong language to highlight the emotional impact of this moment, helping readers grasp how significant the birth of Jesus was to those seeking him.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the fulfillment of their long search and the faith that brought them such joy, setting the stage for their encounter with Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“exceeding” Greek G4970 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 17:6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
  • Matthew 19:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
  • Mark 16:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

“star” Greek G792 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 2:2 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.
  • Jude 1:13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
  • Revelation 8:10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;

“joy” Greek G5479 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
  • John 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
  • Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

“rejoiced” Greek G5463 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  • John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.