On January 6, Christians celebrate Epiphany, the Feast of the Lord’s Manifestation. At its heart are the Magi from the East, who follow a star and find the child in Bethlehem. Here you will find 20 Bible verses about Epiphany and the Feast of the Epiphany – about the star, the gifts, and the light for all nations.
The Magi from the East
The account from Matthew 2.
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Now Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the land of Judea, in the days of King Herod, and behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem and asked, Where is the newborn King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.
Matthew 2:1-2
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When they had heard of the King, they went away. And behold, the star they had seen in the East went before them until it came and stood over the place where the child was.
Matthew 2:9
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When they saw the star, they rejoiced greatly.
Matthew 2:10
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And they entered the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, and fell down and worshipped him, and opened their treasures and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Matthew 2:11Worship
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And God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod, and they went back to their own country by another way.
Matthew 2:12
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And you, Bethlehem Ephratah, little among the cities of Judah, out of you shall come to me he who is Lord in Israel, whose going forth has been from everlasting.
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I see him, but not now; I do not behold him with my eyes. A star shall rise out of Jacob, and a scepter shall come up out of Israel, and shall crush the princes of Moab, and scatter all the children of tumult.
4 Chronicles 24:17
A Light for All Nations
Epiphany tells us that Jesus did not come for one people alone.
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Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
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And the Gentiles shall walk in your light, and the kings in your radiance.
Isaiah 60:3
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For the multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ophir. They shall come from Sheba, bringing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.
Isaiah 60:6
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The kings of Tarshish and of the islands shall bring gifts; the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute. All kings shall worship him; all nations shall serve him.
Psalm 72:10-11
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But I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth.
Isaiah 49:6bMission
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For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before all nations, a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.
Luke 2:30-32
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This was the true light that enlightens everyone who comes into the world.
John 1:9Christmas
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And Jesus spoke to them again, saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
John 8:12LightFirst Communion
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And behold, a voice from heaven said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:17Baptismal verses
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This was the first sign that Jesus did, taking place at Cana in Galilee, and revealing his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
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For the saving grace of God has appeared to all people.
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For God, who called light out of darkness, has given a bright light into our hearts, so that through us might come the enlightenment from the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
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I am the root of the family of David, the bright morning star.
Revelation 22:16bI Am sayings
Bible texts: Luther Bible 1912 (public domain), carefully adapted to modern spelling.
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What is celebrated on Epiphany?
Epiphany – Greek for “manifestation” – is one of the oldest Christian festivals, older than Christmas. It celebrates that God “appeared” in Jesus. In the Western Church, the story of the Magi from the East is at its heart (Matthew 2:1-12), while in the Eastern Churches, it is the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. In common parlance, January 6 is the Feast of the Epiphany; around this time, star singers go from house to house in Catholic parishes and write the blessing C+M+B on the doors – “Christus mansionem benedicat,” Christ bless this house.
Three Kings? What the Bible really tells
Matthew speaks of “wise men from the East” – presumably star-gazers from Persia or Babylon. He does not say how many there were; the number three gives rise to the tradition of the three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). The names Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar also come from a later period. The message of the account is nevertheless clear: the first to worship Jesus are foreigners from afar. Isaiah had already prophesied: “The Gentiles shall walk in your light” (Isaiah 60:3). You can find verses for the Christmas season in Bible verses for Christmas, and about light in Bible verses about light.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Epiphany?
Epiphany is celebrated every year on January 6. In some states, the Feast of the Epiphany is a public holiday.
What does C+M+B mean?
Star singers write “C+M+B” on doors. It stands for “Christus mansionem benedicat” – Christ bless this house – and is also often interpreted as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar.
