According to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
Matthew places Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem of Judea and connects the town with the tradition that the Messiah would come from David’s city. Luke also identifies Bethlehem as the birthplace, describing Joseph and Mary traveling there for a registration because Joseph belonged to the house and family of David.
The two Gospel accounts differ in several surrounding details. Matthew describes visitors from the East and the family’s flight to Egypt, while Luke describes the journey from Nazareth, the manger, and shepherds visiting the newborn child. Both accounts, however, name Bethlehem as the birthplace.
Bethlehem is about 10 kilometers south of Jerusalem and was an important settlement in the ancient kingdom of Judah. It is also associated with King David, who is presented in the Hebrew Bible as having been born there. Nazareth, by contrast, is the town where Jesus grew up and became known as “Jesus of Nazareth.”