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Matthew 2:9
They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
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Interpretation

Matthew 2:9 shows a star stood that is lived within relationships and commitments—see "went" and "star". Give star stood when pressure tempts shortcuts—turn worship into posture.

Context

The setting is Matthew—gospel narrative, highlighting star stood. Within ch. 2, a small unit frames the emphasis. Watch the terms “went” and “star”.

Authorship & Historical Background

Early attribution points to the apostle Matthew (ex‑tax collector) for Matthew. A common scholarly view of Matthew: Anonymous in early witnesses; later ascribed to Matthew; engages Mark alongside a sayings tradition.. Scholars commonly date Matthew AD 80–90. Matthew seems aimed at Jewish‑Christian community.. Five discourse blocks echo Torah scaffolding. Readers often compare Matthew’s arrangement and sources with Mark and Q.

More details
Traditional:Matthew the tax collector
Modern scholarship:Anonymous; attributed to Matthew; uses Mark + Q source.
Date:AD 80–90
Audience:Jewish‑Christian community.
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
The Greek text is preserved in thousands of manuscripts. Early papyri (P46, P66, P75) from the 2nd-3rd centuries, along with major uncials like Sinaiticus and Vaticanus (4th century), provide strong textual witness. Minor variants exist but do not alter the main meaning.
Sources & witness notes
SinaiticusVaticanusP46