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6 Jan 2021

The Astrologers




Porro in Chaldeis γενεθλιαλόγους significari puto quos vulgus mathematicos vocat. Consuetudo autem et sermo communis magos pro maleficis accipit: qui aliter habentur apud gentem suam, eo quod sint philosophi Chaldaeorum, et ad artis hujus scientiam reges quoque et principes ejusdem gentis omnia faciunt. Unde et in nativitate Domini Salvatoris ipsi primum ortum ejus intellexerunt et venientes in sanctam Bethleem, adoraverunt puerum, stella desuper ostendente.


Sanctus Hieronymus, Commentaria in Daniel, Caput II

Source:  Migne PL 25.498d-449a
However among the Chaldeans 'genethialogoi' I think signifies those whom the many name astrologers. 1 For it is a custom in common speech to refer to magi as magicians, but they are considered differently among their own people, because they are the philosophers of the Chaldeans, and the knowledge of this art even the kings and princes of that people take to entirely. Whence in the nativity of our Lord and Saviour they first understood his coming and came to holy Bethlehem, and adored the child, the star guiding them from above.

Saint Jerome, Commentary on Daniel, Chapter 2


1 Dan 2.2

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