Birth of Jesus: Bible Story, When & Where He Was Born

Main passagesMatthew 1–2; Luke 1–2

BirthplaceBethlehem in Judea

FamilyMary and Joseph

Main themesPromise, humility, joy, salvation

The quick answer

What happened in the Birth of Jesus Bible story?

Matthew and Luke present Jesus’ conception as the work of the Holy Spirit. Luke records Gabriel’s announcement to Mary; Matthew records an angel reassuring Joseph in a dream. Luke then follows Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Mary gives birth, wraps Jesus in cloth, and lays him in a feeding trough because there is no room in the lodging place.

Luke describes shepherds visiting after an angel announces the birth. Matthew describes a separate visit by magi, Herod’s threat, and the family’s flight to Egypt. Both accounts place Jesus’ childhood in Nazareth. These events are often called the Nativity or Christmas story, although neither Gospel gives a December date.

The date Scripture gives—and does not give

When Was Jesus Born?

The Bible does not provide an exact date for Jesus’ birth. Matthew places it during Herod the Great’s reign, whose end is usually dated to 4 BC. Luke associates the journey to Bethlehem with a registration under Quirinius, whose well-attested census took place in AD 6–7. That gap is a real historical question, not a precise birthday calculation.

Luke 1:5 also begins during Herod’s reign. Suggestions of an earlier registration or a different translation of Luke 2:2 remain disputed; see New Testament scholar Daniel Wallace’s discussion of the census chronology. The evidence does not establish one uncontested modern calendar year.

December 25 is the traditional date of Christmas, not a date stated in Matthew or Luke. Details such as shepherds being outdoors at night have inspired seasonal proposals, but they cannot establish a precise birthday.

Bethlehem, not Nazareth

Where Was Jesus Born?

Both Matthew and Luke identify Bethlehem in Judea as Jesus’ birthplace. Luke calls it David’s city and says Joseph went there because he belonged to David’s house and family line. Matthew connects Bethlehem with the ruler promised in Micah 5:2.

Jesus was later raised in Nazareth in Galilee. “Jesus of Nazareth” describes the place where he grew up, not the place where he was born.

The full story

The Birth and Early Childhood of Jesus

The following scenes identify their Gospel sources. Matthew and Luke do not provide a single, fully synchronized itinerary of the family’s early years.

Gabriel announces that Mary will bear Jesus

In Nazareth, the angel Gabriel came to Mary, a virgin pledged to Joseph. Gabriel told her not to be afraid: she had found favor with God and would bear a son named Jesus. He would be called great, receive David’s throne, and reign forever.

Mary asked how this could happen. Gabriel answered that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that the holy child would be called the Son of God. Mary responded with willing trust. Luke 1:26–38

ScriptureWorld English Bible Classic (WEB)

The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and shall name him ‘Jesus.’ He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”

Luke 1:30–33

Gabriel announces to Mary in a modest Nazareth home that she will give birth to Jesus — Gabriel tells Mary that she will bear a son named Jesus. Illustration based on Luke 1:26–38.

Joseph receives an answer in a dream

When Joseph learned Mary was pregnant, he planned to end their betrothal quietly rather than expose her to public disgrace. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him not to fear taking Mary as his wife, because the child had been conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Joseph was told to name the child Jesus, “for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew connects the event with Isaiah’s promise of Immanuel—“God with us.” Joseph obeyed. Matthew 1:18–25

Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem

Luke says Caesar Augustus ordered a registration, and Joseph traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem because he was descended from David. Mary went with him while expecting Jesus. Scripture does not say they traveled on a donkey, even though that detail often appears in Nativity art.

The journey brings Mary and Joseph from their Galilean home to the town named by both Gospel birth accounts. Luke 2:1–5

Illustration of pregnant Mary and Joseph walking through hills toward Bethlehem — Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem in Luke 2:1–5. Their means of transport, clothing, and the route shown here are artistic choices.

Jesus is born and laid in a feeding trough

While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to give birth. She bore her firstborn son, wrapped him in cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough because there was no room for them in the lodging place.

Luke mentions no innkeeper and does not explicitly describe a detached wooden stable. The Greek word translated “inn” in the WEB can also mean a lodging or guest room. Luke names the feeding trough but leaves the building’s layout undescribed. Luke 2:6–7

ScriptureWorld English Bible Classic (WEB)

She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

Angels announce good news to shepherds

That night, shepherds were watching their flock in nearby fields. An angel of the Lord appeared, and God’s glory shone around them. The frightened shepherds heard good news: a Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born in David’s city. Their sign would be a baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.

A heavenly army praised God. The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem, found Mary, Joseph, and the baby, and then spread the message they had received. They returned praising God. Luke 2:8–20

ScriptureWorld English Bible Classic (WEB)

The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.”

Luke 2:10–12

Shepherds in fields near Bethlehem hear a radiant heavenly messenger announce the birth of Jesus — The shepherds hear good news of a Savior born in David’s city. Illustration based on Luke 2:8–14.

Simeon and Anna welcome Jesus at the temple

Jesus was circumcised and named on the eighth day. After the prescribed purification period, Mary and Joseph brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord and offered a pair of birds, as the law allowed. Luke places these actions within Israel’s worship and law, not a later Christian ceremony. Luke 2:21–24; Leviticus 12:1–8

Simeon, guided by the Spirit, took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He called the child God’s salvation, a light for the nations, and Israel’s glory. Luke describes Simeon as righteous and devout, not as a priest.

The prophet Anna also came near, gave thanks to God, and spoke about the child to those awaiting Jerusalem’s redemption. Their words widen the story beyond one family or one town. Luke 2:21–38

ScriptureWorld English Bible Classic (WEB)

then he received him into his arms and blessed God, and said, “Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Luke 2:28–32

Simeon holds the infant Jesus at the Jerusalem temple while Anna, Mary, and Joseph look on — Simeon praises God for seeing salvation while Anna gives thanks. Illustration based on Luke 2:25–38.

Two visits, two Gospel accounts

The Shepherds, Wise Men, and Star of Bethlehem

Luke’s shepherds find the newborn in a feeding trough after the nighttime announcement. Matthew’s magi come from the east to Jerusalem because they have seen the star of the king of the Jews. After meeting Herod, they head toward Bethlehem, and Matthew describes the star going before them to the child. The text does not describe a continuous star-led journey all the way from their homeland.

The magi enter a house and see the child with Mary. Matthew gives neither Jesus’ exact age at this visit nor the interval since the shepherds’ visit. It does not place the magi at the manger with the shepherds, call them kings, or give their number. Three kinds of gifts do not establish three visitors.

The magi worship Jesus and give gifts

The star filled the magi with joy and led them to the child. They fell down, worshiped him, and opened their treasures. Warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went home by another route. Matthew 2:1–12

Matthew does not explain what kind of astronomical event the Star of Bethlehem was. Comets, planetary conjunctions, supernovae, and a unique divine sign have all been proposed, but none is identified by the passage itself.

ScriptureWorld English Bible Classic (WEB)

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:10–11

Illustration of magi offering gifts to Jesus with Mary inside a house, with a star visible outside — The magi visit a house in Matthew 2:9–12. Their number and Jesus’ depicted age are artistic choices, not details supplied by the passage.

Joseph takes the child to Egypt

After the magi left, an angel warned Joseph in a dream that Herod would seek the child’s life. Joseph rose during the night and took Jesus and Mary to Egypt. Herod ordered the killing of boys aged two and under in and around Bethlehem, using the time he had learned from the magi. That age limit does not establish that Jesus was exactly two.

After Herod’s death, an angel told Joseph to return to Israel. Joseph feared going to Judea because Archelaus ruled there. Warned again in a dream, he went to Galilee and settled in Nazareth. Matthew 2:13–23

Joseph leads Mary and the young Jesus on foot through a desert landscape during the family’s flight to Egypt — Joseph takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt in Matthew 2:13–15. The landscape, other travelers, and child’s depicted age are imagined.

Two Gospel accounts

The Birth of Jesus in Matthew and Luke

Matthew 1–2

Matthew begins with Jesus’ genealogy, tells the story mainly through Joseph’s dreams, connects events to prophetic texts, and follows the magi, Herod’s hostility, the flight to Egypt, and the family’s settlement in Nazareth.

Luke 1–2

Luke begins with the intertwined announcements and births of John the Baptist and Jesus. It gives Mary a central voice and includes the registration, Bethlehem journey, feeding trough, shepherds, Jesus’ presentation, Simeon, and Anna.

Both accounts describe Mary’s virginal conception, Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, and his upbringing in Nazareth. Their travel narratives differ in detail: Luke 2:39 moves from the temple visit to the family’s return to Nazareth, without narrating the magi or Egypt. Matthew describes Egypt and the move to Nazareth, without narrating the temple visit. Neither supplies a timetable that places every episode of the other account.

Ready to test the details? Play Christmas Bible Trivia for questions on Matthew and Luke, or continue through Jesus’ ministry in Jesus Trivia.

Meaning and importance

What Does the Birth of Jesus Mean?

God’s promise enters ordinary history

The story names rulers, towns, journeys, and families while presenting Jesus as the promised Davidic king and Savior.

Greatness arrives in humility

The child announced as Lord is wrapped in cloth and laid in a feeding trough, far from the display of a royal court.

Good news for Israel and the nations

Local shepherds and foreign magi both respond. Simeon praises God for salvation that brings light to the nations and glory to Israel.

Faith responds with trust and action

Mary receives Gabriel’s word, Joseph obeys repeated warnings, the shepherds go and tell, and the magi change course.

Joy appears beside danger

The angels’ praise and the magi’s worship appear alongside Herod’s violence and the flight to Egypt. Simeon also warns Mary that a sword will pierce her soul.

The birth of Jesus should not be reduced to a sentimental winter scene. Matthew and Luke present a Jewish Messiah born in humility, welcomed by unexpected witnesses, threatened by political power, and announced as Savior and light for the nations. Traditional Nativity art can help readers imagine the story, but details such as a December date, an innkeeper, a donkey, a detached stable, and exactly three wise men should not be mistaken for statements in the biblical text.

Read it in context

Key Birth of Jesus Bible verses

Matthew 1Jesus’ genealogy, Joseph’s dream, and the name Immanuel Matthew 2The magi, Star of Bethlehem, Herod, Egypt, and Nazareth Luke 1Gabriel’s announcement to Mary and the promises surrounding Jesus Luke 2Bethlehem, the manger, shepherds, Simeon, and Anna

References open in the World English Bible (Classic), the edition quoted here. The same passages can also be read in the King James Version.

Story check · Five questions

How well do you remember the Birth of Jesus?

Answer five questions from Matthew and Luke. You’ll see the answer and exact Bible reference after every choice.

Where was Jesus born?

Where did Mary lay the newborn Jesus?

Who heard the angel announce Jesus’ birth in the fields near Bethlehem?

Who held Jesus at the temple and praised God for seeing salvation?

What gifts did the magi present to Jesus?

Continue through the Christmas story

Turn this story into a bigger challenge

Test the announcements, Bethlehem journey, shepherds, magi, and early life of Jesus—with a reference after every answer.

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Questions readers ask

Birth of Jesus FAQ

Where is the birth of Jesus in the Bible?

The main birth narratives are Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2. Matthew follows Joseph, the magi, Herod, and the flight to Egypt. Luke includes Gabriel’s announcement to Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, the manger, the shepherds, and Jesus’ presentation at the temple.

When was Jesus born?

The Bible does not give an exact day, month, or year. Matthew places the birth during the reign of Herod the Great, while Luke connects it with a registration associated with Quirinius. These details place the event in a historical setting but do not produce one uncontested modern calendar date.

Where was Jesus born?

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, also called David’s city. Mary and Joseph later lived in Nazareth, which is why Jesus is often called Jesus of Nazareth.

Does the Bible say Jesus was born on December 25?

No. The Gospels do not name December 25 or any other date. December 25 became the traditional Christian celebration of Jesus’ birth; it should not be presented as a date stated in Scripture.

Was Jesus born in a stable because an innkeeper turned Mary away?

Luke says there was no room for them in the inn or lodging place and that Jesus was laid in a feeding trough. It does not mention an innkeeper or explicitly name a detached stable. The Greek word katalyma can refer to lodging or a guest room, so the exact building arrangement remains uncertain.

Why was Jesus laid in a manger?

Luke explains that there was no room for Mary and Joseph in the lodging place. A manger is a feeding trough. Its presence shows the humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth and serves as the sign by which the shepherds would recognize the child.

How many wise men were there?

Matthew does not give a number. The familiar number three probably comes from the three kinds of gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—but the text simply speaks of magi from the east.

Did the shepherds and wise men visit Jesus on the same night?

Luke describes the shepherds visiting the newborn in a feeding trough after the nighttime announcement. Matthew describes the magi entering a house, but gives neither Jesus’ exact age at their visit nor the time between the two visits. Neither account places both groups together at the manger.

What was the Star of Bethlehem?

Matthew says the magi saw a star connected with the king of the Jews and later rejoiced when it guided them toward the child. The text does not identify its astronomical mechanism, so proposals involving a comet, conjunction, supernova, or unique divine sign remain interpretations rather than stated facts.

Do Matthew and Luke disagree about the registration under Quirinius?

There is a chronological difficulty: Matthew 2 places the birth during Herod’s reign, usually dated as ending in 4 BC, while the well-attested census under Quirinius took place in AD 6–7. Luke 1:5 also begins during Herod’s reign. Proposed explanations involve an earlier registration or a different reading of Luke 2:2, but no solution is universally accepted.