[2] The carol describes the visit of the Biblical Magi to the Infant Jesus during the Nativity and is also used as an Epiphany anthem.

[3] Cornelius wrote his first version of the German hymn "Die Könige" in 1856 as part of Weihnachtslieder, Op.

[5][6] A more commonly used English translation, including references to the Magi being from Persian lands, was made in 1928 by H.N.

This version was included in the first volume of the popular 1961 collection compiled by David Willcocks and Reginald Jacques, Carols for Choirs.

[4] "The Three Kings" was included in a Nick Hern Books adapted publication of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.