The Gospel of Luke tells the story of Jesus' birth and is the primary source for the stable narrative. Here's what it says:
* Luke 2:1-7: This passage describes how Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem to register for a census ordered by Caesar Augustus. Luke notes that "there was no room for them in the inn" (or "guest room," depending on the translation). As a result, Mary gave birth to Jesus and "laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Key Points:
* Manger: A manger is a feeding trough for animals. The fact that Jesus was placed in a manger strongly suggests the setting was related to animals, likely a stable, cave, or other shelter where animals were kept.
* "No Room in the Inn": This is the central reason for the stable setting. The implication is that all available lodging was occupied, forcing Mary and Joseph to seek shelter elsewhere.
Interpretations and Context:
* Type of "Inn": The Greek word translated as "inn" can also refer to a guest room in a private home. Some scholars suggest that Mary and Joseph may have been turned away from a relative's home due to overcrowding.
* Cave as Stable: In that time and location, the caves are used for both home and domestic animals to take refuge from the weather. It is not uncommon that animals are found in caves with a manger.
Conclusion:
While the Bible doesn't explicitly state "stable," the details in Luke, particularly the mention of a manger and the lack of room in the inn/guest room, strongly imply that Jesus was born in a humble setting associated with animals. This has traditionally been interpreted as a stable.