The concept of Wise men in Christianity
Synonyms: Learned men, Advisors, Luminaries
In Dutch: Wijze mannen; In Finnish: Viisaat miehet; In Spanish: Hombres sabios; In German: Weise M盲nner; In Malay: Orang bijak pandai; In Swedish: Kloka m盲n; In Spanish: Reyes Magos; In French: Les sages
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Wise men'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) This is an individual who demonstrates understanding and sound judgment, and is expected to fulfill duties even if they seem useless.[1] (2) The wise man should show his wisdom not only in words, but also in good deeds, suggesting that true wisdom is demonstrated through actions.[2] (3) The wise man is referenced as a learned Hebrew who had intercourse with the author on many subjects and discussed the names of elders.[3] (4) The individual who seeks good things which are not seen, while permitting the seen things to slip from his hands, and avoids unseen evils, but runs into those before the eyes.[4] (5) The individual demonstrating gravity and constancy, capable of withstanding pressures without altering their beliefs or actions, according to the provided text.[5]
From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary
(1) Matthew said that Jesus was a wise man, indicating a view of Jesus based on the provided text.[6]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) The wise man is one who hearkens to Wisdom, and who shall dwell safely, and be quiet from fear of evil, indicating the benefits of heeding her call.[7] (2) This describes the individual who is dedicated to Christ and lives in accordance with His teachings, achieving true fulfillment.[8] (3) A person who acts with prudence and good judgment, and who is willing to address problems promptly.[9] (4) This individual's treasures are of the kind that last as long as they do, emphasizing the importance of lasting values.[10] (5) This refers to an individual who possesses knowledge, understanding, and good judgment, often making thoughtful decisions and choices.[11]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) The text notes that Daniel was made head of the wise men of Babylon, even though they included magicians, which indicates that the reliance on divination is a moral evil.[12] (2) The term king originally meant the wise man, who was a counsellor and a ruler, reflecting the initial meaning of the word and its connection to wisdom.[13] (3) A person who knows to avoid confrontation with dangerous dogs, demonstrating a sense of self-preservation.[14] (4) A thinker who possesses knowledge and understanding, but who also requires further insight as suggested in the text.[15] (5) Refers to the Magi in the context of their visit to Jesus as described in the Bible, highlighting their role as significant figures in the Nativity narrative.[16]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) This is a description of Jonathan, indicating his intelligence and role as a counselor, emphasizing his wisdom and counsel in the provided text.[17] (2) This describes a potential future ruler, and the text highlights the uncertainty regarding whether Rehoboam's successor would be a wise individual or a fool.[18] (3) This individual is one who delves down to the rock, symbolizing the act of listening to and applying the teachings of Christ in one's life.[19] (4) The wise men of the East were led to seek 'the king of the Jews' due to the universal expectation of a great king to arise in Judea, possibly from fragments of revelation.[20] (5) The description applied to 200 heads of Issachar who displayed understanding and insight into the times, offering guidance to Israel.[21]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) These individuals traveled from the East to Jerusalem, and they said they had seen a star in the East, which does not align with the English definition.[22] (2) The wise men of the East presented gifts, including myrrh, to the infant Jesus, highlighting the significance of the substance in religious contexts.[23] (3) These are individuals who were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, according to the text provided.[24] (4) Magi from the East who traveled to Jerusalem to honor the newborn king of the Jews with gifts.[25] (5) Individuals skilled in various forms of divination and natural science.[26]
From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus
(1) These are individuals who are sent, and some of them are killed, highlighting the consequences of rejecting those who bring knowledge.[27] (2) An individual who builds their life on strong, enduring principles, symbolized by a house built on rock.[28] (3) Prestigious visitors from the east who came to Jerusalem seeking the newborn 'King of the Jews' and presented gifts.[29]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) This refers to the people who are smart and holy, and the text discusses the way they speak figuratively.[30] (2) A wise man is someone who possesses sufficient understanding to comprehend the nuances of law and its intended purpose.[31] (3) These are individuals whose deliberations have been time-honored, whose decisions support a specific custom, and whose wisdom is relevant to the topic being discussed.[32] (4) It is someone who is not made sorrowful by wisdom, but sorrows for anything that hinders wisdom, and the Stoics held that in the mind of this person there are three good passions, in place of the three disturbances.[33] (5) This is a person who is knowledgeable and prudent, and they seek to strengthen people in their observance of the Law.[34]
From: The city of God
(1) The text advises that it is very easy for a man to seem to himself to have answered arguments, when he has only been unwilling to be silent.[35] (2) The text refers to the wise man and discusses the Stoics' view that the wise man should not experience sorrow, but should instead have will, contentment, and caution.[36] (3) The text refers to the wise man, who is not subject to these perturbations, but rather his mind and reason are not subject to them.[37] (4) This refers to a person who possesses wisdom, which is considered to be superior to folly, but even the wise experience the same events as fools.[38] (5) The text discusses a wise man in the context of philosophers, and how their idea of a wise man is always happy, even when suffering calamities.[39]
From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis
(1) These individuals, along with the saints, encompass all who have passed away, currently exist, or will come after, and who have engaged in discourse or written concerning God.[40] (2) This individual is characterized by their ability to temper worldly desires by considering mortality and judgment, allowing them to avoid the pitfalls of vanity and the pursuit of riches, which lead to negative consequences.[41] (3) Individuals who willingly accept the yoke of obedience, characterized by courage and faith.[42]
From: Works of St. Anselm
(1) A person who has wisdom inherently in himself and can impart that wisdom to others without losing it.[43]
From: The Kebra Nagast
(1) The text refers to a person known for their wisdom, whose sayings are quoted to offer insights into the complexities of human nature and the challenges of understanding certain matters.[44] (2) This describes a person who benefits from wisdom and is not easily influenced by the words of fools, showing discernment.[45] (3) A description of Solomon's former state before he sinned and became a fool.[46] (4) A person possessing deep understanding and wisdom, often viewed as a leader or advisor.[47] (5) A characterization of Solomon, indicating his intelligence and ability to make sound judgments.[48]
From: The Book of the Cave of Treasures
(1) A reference to Pilate's character, indicating his wisdom and adherence to the truth.[49] (2) Describes Solomon's former status as a figure of wisdom before his actions altered his standing.[50]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) Among all the wise men of the nations, and among all their kings, there is none like unto God, emphasizing his unique wisdom and the need for reverence.[51] (2) This refers to people who have reason to do what they do, though their intentions may not be immediately clear.[52]
From: The Second Helvetic Confession
(1) These are individuals who are known for their sound judgment and ability to manage domestic affairs, and they should be selected to properly oversee the Church's holdings.[53]
Gnostic concept of 'Wise men'
From: The Gnostics and Their Remains
(1) The Greeks with their usual fondness for explaining all mysteries rationistically, considered the letter as the simple numeral, Five, set up in the Temple to denote the original and proper number of the far-famed "Wise Men," as the text mentions.[54]
From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten
(1) The "wise men" came from Arabia, according to one of the Gospels used by Justin under the general title "Memoirs of the Apostles."[55]
The concept of Wise men in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Wise men" signifies knowledgeable advisors in society, aiding the king with counsel, influencing Edwin鈥檚 faith decision, and shaping judicial practices based on Roman models, thus reflecting governance, wisdom, and societal structure.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Individuals who are knowledgeable and prudent, highlighted in the context of not giving instructions without proper assessment of the disciple.[56] (2) Individuals recognized for their great knowledge, experience, and sound judgment.[57] (3) A person characterized by wisdom, capable of discerning where to place objects of significance.[58] (4) A knowledgeable and enlightened person, associated with spiritual understanding.[59] (5) Individuals who possess knowledge and discernment, encouraged to focus their love and attention spiritually.[60]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Individuals who hoped for much and were disappointed when Gandhiji was born in the stable of Indian politics, questioning the need to give up mill-made cloth, forgo pleasures, and shirk shedding blood.[61] (2) This is a person who can take pleasure when it comes and endure pain with fortitude, and this person knows that nothing lasts forever, and that everything will pass.[62] (3) An individual recognized for their intelligence, moral integrity, and ability to make sound judgments.[63] (4) A person who possesses knowledge and awareness, regarded as admirable in philosophical discussions.[64] (5) Describes someone who possesses insight and forethought, able to discern moral truths.[65]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Individuals who are not involved in public displays of wonders for monetary gain, but rather seek truth and understanding.[66] (2) Someone who should be self-reliant and act independently, instead of depending on the assistance or direction of others in their endeavors.[67] (3) This is a man who acts and is beyond action, giving up all attachment to work, and is always satisfied, not hoping for gain.[68] (4) This person should achieve their object, highlighting the importance of taking action and working towards goals.[69] (5) The wise man is the one who enjoys the happiness of the world, and unlike the ignorant, he has to work for others unconsciously.[70]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The council who helped establish judicial decisions, which were based on the Roman model, reflecting governance and legal practices.[71] (2) Edwin stated he would accept the Christian faith if, being examined by these, it should be found more holy and more worthy of God.[72] (3) The knowledgeable and respected members of society who provide counsel and perspectives to the king.[73]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) Individuals who possess knowledge and can offer valuable advice, whom the Prince inquires about during his journey.[74]