Where Was Jesus Born? Was Jesus born in a manger? or Was He born in a cave?
The Lord Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem which means "House of Bread". This is very interesting as the Lord Jesus said that He is the Bread that came down from heaven in John 6:51-59
The Birthplace of Jesus
- The Lord Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in the region known as Judea to the Romans and Palestine to the Assyrians.
- The Bible clearly shows thatHe was born in Bethlehem, in present-day Palestine.
- The Lord Jesus Christ was born to a virgin named Mary in Bethlehem.
“‘But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.’ Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son . . .” (Micah 5:2-3)
Biblical Scholars' Commentary on This Topic:
| Scholar | View on Where Jesus Was Born (with Scriptural Reference) |
|---|---|
| F. Delitzsch (1813–1890, University of Leipzig) | Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2 that the Messiah would come from this town (Matthew 2:1). This birthplace connects Him to the Davidic lineage. |
| J.P. Lange (1828–1889, University of Bonn) | The Gospels clearly state that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, situating Him in the historic and prophetic context of Judea (Luke 2:4–7). His birth there underscores His Davidic heritage. |
| A. B. Davidson (1831–1886, University of Edinburgh) | Bethlehem, a small town in Judea, is noted as the birthplace of Jesus (Matthew 2:1). The setting fulfills messianic prophecy and anchors His early life in Jewish history. |
| C.H. Toy (1831–1905, Harvard University) | Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem fulfills the prophecy of a ruler emerging from David’s city (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1). This town emphasizes both humility and divine purpose. |
| J. Wellhausen (1844–1918, University of Göttingen) | Bethlehem is the place of Jesus’ nativity, highlighting the connection to the house of David and fulfilling prophetic expectation (Luke 2:4–7). |
| G. A. Smith (1824–1908, University of Cambridge) | His birth in Bethlehem aligns with Old Testament prophecy (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1) and situates Him within Judea’s historical and messianic context. |
| F. W. Farrar (1831–1903, University of Cambridge) | Bethlehem’s role as the birthplace emphasizes the contrast between Jesus’ humble entry into the world and His divine mission (Luke 2:7). |
| A. Roberts (1828–1900, University of Edinburgh) | Jesus was born in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecies and situating Him within the lineage of David, providing theological and historical grounding for His ministry (Matthew 2:1–6). |
Where was Jesus Born? Let's Look at Matthew 2:1-5
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, [a]wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:
6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”
