The wise men from the East were philosophers. They belonged to a large and influential class that included men of noble birth, and comprised much of the wealth and learning of their nation. Among these were many who imposed on the credulity of the people. Others were upright men who studied the indications of Providence in nature, and who were honored for their integrity and wisdom. Of this character were the wise men who came to Jesus.

De vise mænd fra Østerland var filosoffer. De tilhørte en stor og indflydelsesrig klasse mennesker, der bestod af mænd af fornem byrd og sad inde med meget af deres folks rigdom og lærdom. Blandt disse var der mange, der benyttede sig af folkets lettroenhed. Andre var retsindige mænd, der granskede forsynets tilkendegivelser i naturen, og som blev ærede for deres retskaffenhed og visdom. De vise mænd, der kom til Jesus, var af denne slags.