1
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,
2
asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage."
3
When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him;
4
and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
5
They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
6
"And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.' "
7
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared.
8
Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage."