Hananya Naftali
Nov 7, 2026
Bethlehem of Judea
The Short Answer
No. Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, as the Gospel of Matthew says, during the reign of King Herod. At that time the land was called Judea. The Romans renamed it Syria Palaestina around 135 CE, about a hundred years after Jesus, to erase its Jewish identity.
Bethlehem, City of David
Bethlehem was a Jewish town, known in the Bible as the birthplace of King David. The Gospels connect Jesus' birth there to his descent from David's royal line.
Where the Name Palestine Came From
After the Bar Kokhba revolt, Emperor Hadrian merged Judea into a new province called Syria Palaestina, named after the Philistines, ancient enemies of Israel. Calling Jesus a Palestinian projects a modern political label onto a Jewish man from Judea.
Today Bethlehem is governed by the Palestinian Authority. Its Christian population has shrunk sharply over the decades, while Israel's Christian community has grown.
Key Facts
Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea.
Bethlehem is the biblical birthplace of King David.
Rome renamed Judea Syria Palaestina around 135 CE.
Bethlehem today is governed by the Palestinian Authority.