When was Jesus born?
Jesus is born in Bethlehem in the days of Herod the king, fulfilling the prophecies of the Messiah.
Birth of Jesus took place c. 4 BC at Bethlehem of Judaea, during the Life of Jesus period of Bible history. The account is recorded in Luke 2:11 (KJV). Jesus is born in Bethlehem in the days of Herod the king, fulfilling the prophecies of the Messiah.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." — Luke 2:11 (KJV)
When the fulness of time was come, God sent forth His Son. Mary gave birth in Bethlehem during the reign of Caesar Augustus and Herod the Great. Shepherds heard the angels' song, and wise men from the east came to worship the new-born King.
c. 4 BC
Bethlehem of Judaea
Key KJV Scriptures
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king…"
"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,"
Why It Matters
The incarnation is the hinge of history — God in human flesh, dividing the calendar itself between BC and AD.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
What year was Jesus born?
Most scholars place His birth between 6 BC and 4 BC, before Herod the Great's death in 4 BC. Our calendar was set centuries later by a monk who miscounted by a few years.
Was Jesus born on December 25?
Scripture does not give a date. December 25 became the traditional date in the early church; the focus of the Bible is the fact, not the calendar day.
When did birth of jesus happen?
Birth of Jesus is dated c. 4 BC, placing it in the Life of Jesus era of biblical history. See Luke 2:11 (KJV).
Where did birth of jesus take place?
Scripture places birth of jesus at Bethlehem of Judaea.
Who was involved in birth of jesus?
The key figures are Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Herod the Great.
Where is birth of jesus in the Bible?
You can read about it in Luke 2:11, Matthew 2:1, Galatians 4:4 (King James Version).
Why does birth of jesus matter?
The incarnation is the hinge of history — God in human flesh, dividing the calendar itself between BC and AD.
Related Events
The Silent Years
c. 400 BC – 4 BC
Four hundred years between Malachi and Matthew — empires rise and fall as God prepares the world for Christ.
Jesus Begins His Ministry
c. AD 26
About age thirty, Jesus is baptised by John, tempted in the wilderness, and begins to preach the kingdom.
Crucifixion of Jesus
c. AD 30 or 33
Jesus is crucified at Passover under Pontius Pilate, dies, and is buried in a borrowed tomb.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Angels Announcing Christ's Birth (Luke 2 KJV)
From Gabriel's annunciation to the multitude of the heavenly host, angels surrou
Prayer for a Birthday
Thanking God for another year of life.
Who was Joseph, son of Jacob?
People & Characters
Who Was Joseph in the Old Testament?
People & Characters
Joseph in Egypt
Genesis 37–50 • sovereignty
The Birth of Jesus
Luke 2:1–20; Matthew 1:18–2:12 • incarnation