Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 2:6

"And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered." — Luke 2:6 (ASV)

Luke does not say how long in advance of Jesus’ birth Joseph left for Bethlehem nor why he took Mary with him. It is possible that he used the emperor’s order as a means of removing Mary from possible gossip and emotional stress in her own village. He had already accepted her as his wife (Matthew 1:24), but apparently they continued in betrothal till after the birth. The text neither affirms nor denies the popular image of the couple arriving in Bethlehem just as the baby was about to be born. Luke simply states that the birth took place “while they were there” (v.6).

The word usually translated “inn” (GK 2906) may mean a room (e.g., the “guest room” used for the Last Supper as in 22:11), a billet for soldiers, or any place for lodging, which would include inns. It is not, however, the usual Greek word for an inn.

Luke states the simple fact that when Mary’s time came, the only available place for the little family was one usually occupied by animals. It may have been a cave, as tradition suggests, or some part of a house or inn. Even today in many places around the world farm animals and their fodder are often kept in the same building as the family quarters. The eating trough, or “manger,” was ideal for use as a crib. Luke does not seem to be portraying a dismal situation with an unfeeling innkeeper as villain. Rather, he is establishing a contrast between the proper rights of the Messiah in his own “town of David” and the very ordinary and humble circumstances of his birth. For “cloths,” see comment on v.12.