Definition

Noun: 1. The Magi, the Three Kings: In the Christian tradition, the "wise men" refers to the group of distinguished visitors from the East who, according to the Gospel of Matthew, traveled to Bethlehem to pay homage to the infant Jesus, guided by a star. They are traditionally said to have brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The number three is inferred from the three gifts, leading to their common designation as the Three Kings or Three Wise Men. 2. Learned or sagacious persons (archaic/literary): Used more generally to refer to men of great learning, experience, and sound judgment.

Usage Examples

• Referring to the Biblical figures:
  • The nativity scene includes figures of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men.
  • According to tradition, the wise men followed a star to find the newborn king.
• Referring to learned persons (less common):
  • The council of wise men was convened to advise the king on the matter. (This usage often has a historical or formal tone.)

Advanced Usage

• Capitalization: When referring specifically to the Biblical figures, "Wise Men" is often capitalized.
  • The feast of Epiphany celebrates the visit of the Wise Men.

Variants and Related Words

• Magi (plural noun): The term used in the original Biblical text and in scholarly contexts for the wise men from the East.
• Three Kings (plural noun): A common traditional name for the wise men, especially in connection with the Christmas story.
• Wise (adjective): Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
• Wisdom (noun): The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.

Synonyms

• For the Biblical figures: Magi, Three Kings, Three Wise Men.
• For learned persons: sages, scholars, philosophers, elders.

Related Idioms

• Wise men propose, fools dispose: A proverb meaning that intelligent people make plans, but it is often less capable people who decide what actually happens.
• A word to the wise (is sufficient): A phrase indicating that a hint or brief advice is enough for an intelligent person to understand.

Noun

1. (New Testament) the sages who visited Jesus and Mary and Joseph shortly after Jesus was born; the Gospel According to Matthew says they were guided by a star and brought gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh; because there were three gifts it is usually assumed that there were three of them