What Do the Gifts of the Magi—Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh—Symbolize?

When the Magi arrived to worship the newborn Jesus, Scripture says they opened their treasures and offered Him gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). These gifts may seem unusual for a baby, but they hold deep symbolic meaning. They reveal who Jesus is, what He came to do, and how God’s plan was unfolding through His birth.

The first gift, gold, has long been associated with kingship. In ancient times, gold was a precious metal reserved for royalty and great honor. By offering gold, the Magi acknowledged Jesus as King. Their gift reflects prophecies such as Psalm 72:10–11, which speak of kings bringing tribute to the Messiah. The gold affirms Jesus’ identity as the promised descendant of David, the true King whose reign is eternal (2 Samuel 7:12–13). Even in His humble surroundings, the gold proclaimed that the child in Mary’s arms was the King of Kings.

The second gift, frankincense, was a fragrant resin used in worship and prayer. In the Temple, incense was offered to God as a symbol of prayer rising to heaven (Psalm 141:2). By giving frankincense, the Magi recognized Jesus not only as King, but also as divine. This gift points to His identity as the Son of God, worthy of adoration and worship. It reflects the mystery of the Incarnation—God becoming man (John 1:14). Frankincense reminds us that Jesus is the One through whom humanity approaches God and that He would later teach, heal, and reveal the Father’s love.

The third gift, myrrh, carries the most striking symbolism. Myrrh was a resin used in burial and anointing the dead (John 19:39). It also had medicinal and perfume uses, but its strongest association was with suffering and death. Giving myrrh to a newborn child points forward to the sacrifice Jesus would make. The gift foreshadows His crucifixion, where He would offer Himself for the salvation of the world. Myrrh tells us that the manger and the cross are part of the same mission: Jesus was born to save.

If we reflect carefully, the gifts of the Magi are far more than costly offerings. They form a declaration of faith:

• Gold reveals Jesus as King.
• Frankincense reveals Him as God.
• Myrrh points to His saving sacrifice.

In this way, the gifts express the identity of Jesus as King, Lord, and Savior. The Magi may not have understood the full meaning of their gifts, yet God used their offering to reveal the truth about His Son.

So what do these gifts symbolize? They show that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah whose birth, life, and death fulfill God’s promises. From the beginning, His mission was clear: to reign with love, to reconcile humanity with God, and to give His life so that all may receive eternal life.

For more questions explained in plain language, visit our Christmas Questions page.