ContradictionsReading order 527Bible context 3 min read
Was Jesus born in a house or a manger?
Luke locates the newborn in a manger, while Matthew locates the later visit in a house; Matthew does not specify the place of delivery.
- Textual conflict
- Weak contradiction
- The supplied passages do not establish incompatible claims. Different events, meanings, or conditions may account for the difference.
- Importance
- Major
- A major event or claim with wider implications.
The newborn's placement in a manger and a later visit in a house do not specify incompatible birth locations.
An editorial assessment of the quoted passages. Importance describes the stakes; it does not increase certainty. Reading order weighs both.
Mary lays the newborn Jesus in a manger
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:1-7
Translation / edition: King James Version (KJV)
Read the full chapter:Luke 2
The visiting wise men find Jesus in a house
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold,