The Bible states that Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, but religious scholars continue to debate the Christian Messiah's exact birthplace, with other candidates including Nazareth and Jerusalem.
Public DomainThe 17th-century painting Adoration of the Shepherds depicts the birth of Jesus.
Most people are familiar with the story of Jesus Christ’s birth. Come Christmastime, Nativity scenes in towns and churches routinely display symbols from the Biblical story like mangers, donkeys, and angels. But where was Jesus born? The answer is surprisingly complicated.
For starters, what town was Jesus born in? Though most agree that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, located in present-day Palestine, some argue that Jesus was actually born in the town of Nazareth — or even in Jerusalem. And regardless of which town Jesus was born in, scholars also continue to debate over whether he was born in a stable, a cave, or a house.
This is the full story of where Jesus Christ was born, from the town, to the location, to how a site in the West Bank is marked as his birthplace today.
Where Was Jesus Born? The Ongoing Debate About His Birthplace
Public DomainMary and Joseph, depicted during their journey to Bethlehem for Jesus’ birth.
When asked where Jesus was born, most people would say Bethlehem. And, indeed, this small city in modern-day Palestine is mentioned in the Bible multiple times as the site of Jesus’ birth — even before Jesus was born.
In fact, the Jewish Bible claimed that the Messiah would be born in the town of Bethlehem. Drawing a link between this Messiah and King David, Micah 5:2 declares: “But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.”
After Jesus’ birth — though, note, we don’t know exactly when Jesus Christ was born — Bethlehem was frequently mentioned in the Bible as his birthplace. Luke 2:4-7 reads, “Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David.”
The Magi (Wise Men) also followed a star to Bethlehem after Jesus’ birth, and King Herod later purportedly massacred all the baby boys under the age of two in Bethlehem in the hopes of killing Jesus, the Messiah.
Indeed, most accept that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. However, Jesus is also referred to as a “Nazorean” (from Nazareth) and a Galilean (from Galilee) in the New Testament. And some of the Gospels don’t mention Bethlehem at all. The Gospel of Mark, for example, which is considered the earliest of the Gospels, doesn’t identify Bethlehem as the place where Jesus was born.
Public DomainSandro Botticelli’s The Nativity from circa 1475.
“Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee,” Mark 1:9 explains, “and was baptized by John in the Jordan.”
The Gospel of John, written later, draws only a tenuous link between Jesus and Bethlehem. John 7:42 states: “Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?” But otherwise, the Gospel of John seems to draw a stronger link between Jesus and Galilee than between Jesus and Bethlehem.
Meanwhile, the Book of Mormon states that Jesus “shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers.” This has led some to question whether Jesus was born in Jerusalem or the lands surrounding it.
So where was Jesus born? Most religious leaders and scholars agree he was born in Bethlehem, but he spent most of his childhood in Nazareth. That said, there is still some debate about where Jesus Christ was born exactly — and whether he was born in a stable, a house, or a cave.
The Mysterious Location Of Jesus Christ’s Birthplace In The Holy Land
Public DomainA circa 19th-century depiction of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus.
Modern-day Nativity scenes typically depict Jesus Christ in a manger, surrounded by his parents, angels, and animals. This may suggest Jesus was born in a barn — but many scholars don’t believe that’s the full story.
Luke 2:4-7, cited above, continues: “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
The word “manger” suggests a stable, because that’s where animals would be kept. However, most people in first-century Bethlehem would not have kept animals in a stable. Instead, they frequently kept their livestock in caves. And, indeed, early sources suggest that Jesus was born in a cave.
Justin Martyr, a second-century Christian writer, wrote, “[Joseph] moved into a certain cave near the village, and while they were there Mary brought forth the Christ and placed him in a manger.” The non-canonical Protoevangelium of James, from the second century, also suggests that Jesus was born in a cave, writing that Joseph “found a cave there, and led [Mary] into it.”
Some Christians accept this interpretation of Jesus’ birthplace. In the fourth century, the Church of the Nativity was built over a specific cave in Bethlehem where many believed that he was born.
Public DomainThis star, located in the Church of the Nativity, is said to mark the exact place where Jesus was born.
That said, there are some arguments against the popular “cave” theory. It’s possible that Justin Martyr suggested that Jesus was born in a cave in order to link him to a prophecy from the Book of Isaiah, which mentions that the Messiah “shall dwell in a high cave of a strong rock.”
And it’s also possible that Jesus was born in a house, not a cave or stable. Scholars have noted that the word “inn” from the Gospel of Luke comes from the Greek word “kataluma.” This can be translated to “guest room.” Given that there were probably no inns in a small town like Bethlehem, it’s possible that Joseph attempted to stay with a family who, lacking room, offered to house them in a lower room used for livestock.
The Enduring Questions About The Life — And Death — Of Jesus Christ
Neil Ward/Wikimedia CommonsThe Church of the Nativity, seen here in 2012, purportedly marks the spot where Jesus Christ was born in a Bethlehem cave, though debate over the Messiah’s exact birthplace continues.
In the end, most Christian leaders and Biblical scholars seem to agree that Jesus Christ was probably born in Bethlehem. And given the location of the Church of the Nativity, it’s likely that he was born in a cave.
But there remains a whisper of doubt. Could Jesus have been born somewhere else — perhaps Nazareth? And could the “inn” referenced in the Bible really signify someone’s home? Or was the Messiah born in a barn?
Today, it remains one of the fascinating questions about Jesus. In addition to questions surrounding his death — from the location of his crucifixion to the reason why the Romans chose this gruesome execution method to where Jesus was entombed — many questions remain about Jesus’ life.
How tall was Jesus? What do we know about Jesus’ race? What did Jesus look like? And what aspects of his life were left out of the Bible?
Some of these questions are easier to answer than others. But they all add to our larger understanding of the story of Jesus, the early days of Christianity, and how this new religion changed the ancient world.
After reading about where Jesus was born, go inside the mystery of Jesus Christ’s real name. Then, discover the stories of other figures who appear in the Bible, such as Mary Magdalene, Pontius Pilate, and Judas Iscariot.
