The nativity scene: Was Jesus really born in a stable?

The image of Jesus being born in a stable, surrounded by animals, has become one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas. From nativity scenes in churches to family decorations, this depiction shapes how many imagine the story of Christ’s birth. However, historical and cultural research suggests that this portrayal may not reflect the reality of first-century Judea. Instead, Jesus was likely born in a lower-level space within a home – or even a cave – rather than a standalone stable. In this post, we explore the evidence behind this reinterpretation.

A typical nativity scene, depicting the birth of Jesus in a stable. Munich nativity scene in the inner courtyard of the town hall. Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ (license: CC BY-SA 3.0).

The origins of the “stable” tradition

The depiction of a stable comes from the Gospel of Luke, which mentions in its Latin translation that Mary laid the newborn Jesus in a manger because there was “no room at the inn” (katalyma in Greek). Over time, this brief description evolved into the widely recognized image of a wooden barn-like structure. However, closer examination of the biblical text and first-century practices reveals a different picture.

1. What does “katalyma” mean?

The Greek word katalyma, traditionally translated as “inn”, does not necessarily refer to a commercial lodging like a guest house. In other contexts, such as Luke 22:11, the same term is used to describe a “guest room” in a private home. This suggests that Mary and Joseph may have sought shelter in a family member’s house, only to find the guest room already occupied.

2. Why a manger?

The presence of a manger – a feeding trough for animals – led to the assumption of a stable. However, in first-century Judea, mangers were often located within the lower levels of family homes. These spaces housed animals at night and served as storage areas, especially during colder months. It is plausible that Mary and Joseph were offered this part of the house when the guest room was unavailable.

A cave or cellar: The historical context

The idea that Jesus was born in a cave-like space rather than a stable is supported by archaeological and historical evidence:

1. Homes in ancient Judea

Archaeological findings reveal that many homes in this period had two levels:

• The upper level was used for family living and sleeping.
• The lower level, sometimes carved out of rock or set into a natural cave, was used for animals and storage.

If the guest room or upper level was occupied, the lower space would have been the most practical option for Mary and Joseph. This aligns with the description in Luke of Jesus being laid in a manger.

Nativity scene in the Ave Maria pilgrimage church, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ (license: CC BY-SA 3.0).

2. Early Christian traditions

Early Christians venerated caves as the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine, is located over such a cave. This tradition suggests that Jesus’ birth was associated with a natural shelter, possibly integrated into a family home.

Adoration of the Shepherds, “Giorgione” (Giorgio Barbarelli da Castelfranco), 1505-1510. Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ (license: public domain).

The Birth of Christ, Christmas Icon, Russia, 16th century, tempera on wood, Ikonenmuseum Frankfurt.

Detail of the icon.

The stable: A medieval reinterpretation

The familiar image of a freestanding stable emerged in medieval Europe. Artists and storytellers of the time reimagined the nativity using settings familiar to their agrarian cultures. The result was the classic wooden barn with a pitched roof, often depicted in snowy landscapes – a scene far removed from first-century Judea.

Medieval nativity scenes also incorporated additional elements not mentioned in the Gospels¹, such as the ox and donkey. These animals were inspired by apocryphal texts and Old Testament symbolism, e.g., Isaiah 1:3:

The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger; but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.

In Christian interpretation, this verse is seen as a prophecy foreshadowing the nativity. The ox and donkey represent humanity’s division into two groups: those who recognize the divine (the faithful) and those who do not (the unfaithful). In the nativity scene, the ox and donkey recognize Christ, symbolizing creation’s acknowledgment of the Savior, even when many humans do not.

While meaningful in their own right, these additions further distanced the nativity story from its historical roots.

Institution of the Crib at Greccio, Legend of St Francis, Giotto di Bondone, 1295, Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi. Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ (license: public domain).

The popularization of nativity scenes is often credited to Saint Francis of Assisi, who, according to tradition, created a live nativity display in Greccio, Italy, in 1223 to inspire devotion. However, the modern crib scenery as we know it today – elaborate with figures of Mary, Joseph, the Magi, shepherds, and animals – evolved over centuries. Some sources suggest that the detailed tableau of today’s nativity scenes owes more to later traditions, possibly initiated by women in religious communities, such as nuns, who crafted small-scale displays for private devotion. These artistic interpretations eventually merged into the public and popular forms we recognize today.

Rethinking the nativity story

Reinterpreting the location of Jesus’ birth does not diminish its significance. On the contrary, it provides a richer understanding of the cultural and historical context of the time. This perspective highlights:

1. Humility: The idea of Jesus being born in a lower-level space or cave reinforces the Gospel’s themes of simplicity and humility, emphasizing his identification with the poor and marginalized.
2. Hospitality: Rather than rejection, this interpretation underscores the communal hospitality of ancient Jewish society. Mary and Joseph may not have been turned away by an uncaring innkeeper but welcomed into a relative’s home, albeit in modest circumstances.

Christmas crib on the Saint Peter’s square, Vatican. Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ (license: CC BY-SA 3.0).

Conclusion

While the traditional nativity scene may be a beloved symbol of Christmas, it reflects medieval imagination rather than historical reality. Jesus was more likely born in a lower-level space within a home or a cave used for sheltering animals, aligning with the practices of first-century Judea. This reinterpretation does not diminish the theological importance of the nativity story; instead, it provides a richer understanding of its historical and cultural context.

Cast sculpture of a nativity scene at the Antoniter Church in Cologne, Germany. The inscription reads: ‘Fear not. Behold, I proclaim great joy to you’.

Moreover, the traditional nativity scene has transcended its historical inaccuracies to become a profound form of artistic imagination, cultural expression, and religious devotion. Over centuries, it has inspired traditions that celebrate Christian values. By engaging with both the historical and symbolic layers of the nativity, we can appreciate the story behind it in all its complexity and its cultural and religious significance.

References and further reading

• Brown, Raymond E., The Birth of the Messiah: A Commentary on the Infancy Narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, 1999, Anchor Bible Reference Library, ISBN: 978-0385494472
• Bauckham, Richard, Jesus: A Very Short Introduction, 2011, Oxford University Press, ISBN: 978-0199575275
• Evans, Craig A., Jesus and His World: The Archaeological Evidence, 2012, Westminster John Knox Press
• Meyers, Eric M. & Strange, James F., Archaeology, the Rabbis and Early Christianity, 2012, SCM Press, ISBN: 978-0334000136
• Murphy-O’Connor, Jerome, The Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide from Earliest Times to 1700, 2008, Oxford University Press
• Keener, Craig S., The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, 2014, 2nd edition InterVarsity Press, ISBN: 978-0830824786
• Witherington III, Ben, Jesus the Sage: The Pilgrimage of Wisdom, 1994, Fortress Press, ISBN: 978-0567097019
• Crossan, John Dominic & Borg, Marcus J., The First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Birth, 2008, HarperOne, ISBN: 978-0281060047
• Casey, Maurice, Jesus of Nazareth: An Independent Historian’s Account of His Life and Teaching, 2010, T&T Clark, ISBN: 978-0567645173
• Wikipedia article on the Nativity sceneꜛ

Footnotes

1. The Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew, an apocryphal text, explicitly mentions the ox and donkey at the nativity, which reinforced their inclusion in Christian art and nativity depictions. Over time, their presence became a standard feature, enriched by theological and symbolic interpretations. ↩