The Role of Astrology in the Biblical Story of the Wise Men

Many ask if the story of the wise men (or kings) from Matthew 2:1-2 finds support in astrology. An analysis reveals that while the text does not explicitly endorse astrology, it may be influenced by astrological themes found in later traditions.

Is There Biblical Support for Astrology?

There is no biblical or other evidence supporting the practice of astrology. Astrology is a poorly-defined spiritual belief system that does not align with scientific and biblical standards. Yet, the idea of celestial signs and their influence on earthly events has found its way into certain stories within the Bible.

The Story of the Wise Men in Matthew 2:1-2

Matthew 2:1-2 describes the journey of the wise men to the newborn Jesus, guided by a star:

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”

Astrology and Celestial Signs

The Biblical Basis for Celestial Signs

The Bible does provide passages that mention celestial bodies and their significance:

Genesis 1:14-17: And God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth.” And God made the two great lights— the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He made the stars also. (NIV)

These verses suggest that celestial lights have symbolic and functional roles, such as distinguishing day from night and helping to define seasons and years.

The Context and Authenticity of Matthew's Story

Matthew 2:1-2 is part of the Gospel of Matthew, which is believed to have been written around the 80s-90s CE. It is important to note that:

The story of the wise men is not corroborated by other historical or non-biblical sources. The Gospel of Luke, which is believed to have been written around the same time, provides an entirely different narrative about Jesus's birth and the reasons for his parents being in Bethlehem. Matthew's story is set before the death of Herod the Great in 4 BCE, while Luke's account includes a census by Publius Sulpicius Quirinius in 6 CE, marking a significant time discrepancy.

The Symbolism Behind the Star of Bethlehem

The star of Bethlehem has been interpreted in various ways, with some theories linking it to astrological phenomena. For instance, some argue that the 'Star of Bethlehem' might be interpreted as the planetary alignment of Sirius, Orion's Belt, and the Sun on the winter solstice. This aligns with many ancient cultures that saw celestial formations as divine omens:

‘Orion’s Belt’ refers to the three bright stars in the constellation Orion. The imaginary line formed by these stars, aligned with Sirius, points to the rising sun on the winter solstice. Since the winter solstice is associated with the start of longer days, this could symbolize a rebirth or a new beginning.

Similarly, the conjunction of celestial bodies forming an angle could have been interpreted as divine guidance or portents by ancient astrologers.

Conclusion

While the story of the wise men and the star of Bethlehem in Matthew 2:1-2 is a powerful narrative, it should not be taken as direct biblical support for astrology. The story is likely a combination of religious tradition, symbolic interpretation, and astrological motifs from ancient times. The Bible, being a collection of myths and allegorical stories, does not advocate for astrology but reflects the cultural and religious thought of its time.