Manger: Rendered "Stall" In
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The term "manger" is most famously associated with the nativity story of Jesus Christ, as recounted in the Gospel of Luke. In Luke 2:7 , it is written: "And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." The manger, in this context, is a feeding trough for animals, typically found in a stable or stall.

The Greek word translated as "manger" is "φατνη" (phatnē), which can also be rendered as "stall" in some contexts. This dual meaning highlights the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth, emphasizing the simplicity and modesty of the setting. The manger, a place where animals feed, symbolizes the humility and accessibility of Christ, who came to serve and save all humanity.

In biblical times, mangers were commonly made of stone or wood and were used to hold hay or fodder for livestock. The use of a manger as a cradle for the newborn Jesus underscores the theme of God's provision and the fulfillment of prophecy, as the Messiah was born in Bethlehem, the "House of Bread," and laid in a feeding trough, symbolizing His future role as the Bread of Life (John 6:35).

The imagery of the manger also serves as a powerful reminder of the incarnation, where the divine took on human form and entered into the ordinary and often harsh realities of life. This setting foreshadows the life and ministry of Jesus, who would later teach, heal, and ultimately sacrifice Himself for the redemption of mankind.

The manger scene has become a central element of Christian tradition, particularly during the celebration of Christmas. It invites believers to reflect on the humility and love of God, who chose to enter the world in such a lowly manner. The manger, therefore, is not merely a historical detail but a profound symbol of the Gospel message, calling individuals to approach the Savior with humility and faith.

In summary, the manger, rendered as "stall" in some translations, is a significant element in the nativity narrative, representing the humble beginnings of Jesus Christ and the profound theological truths of His incarnation and mission. It serves as a reminder of God's love and the call to live a life of humility and service in response to the gift of salvation.
Nave's Topical Index
Luke 13:15
The Lord then answered him, and said, You hypocrite, does not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
5336. phatne -- a manger
... a manger. Word Origin a prim. word Definition a manger NASB Word Usage
manger (3), stall (1). manager, stall. From pateomai (to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5336.htm - 6k
Strong's Hebrew
723. urvah -- a manger, crib
... 722, 723. urvah. 723a . a manger, crib. Transliteration: urvah Phonetic
Spelling: (oor-vaw') Short Definition: stall. stall Or rarayah ...
/hebrew/723.htm - 5k

18. ebus -- a crib, feeding trough
... Word Origin from abas Definition a crib, feeding trough NASB Word Usage manger
(3). crib. From 'abac; a manger or stall -- crib. see HEBREW 'abac. 17, 18. ...
/hebrew/18.htm - 6k

Library

Book ii from the Manger in Bethlehem to the Baptism in Jordan.
... Book II FROM THE MANGER IN BETHLEHEM TO THE BAPTISM IN JORDAN. . Fortitudo
infirmatur,. Parva fit immensitas; Liberator alligatur,. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/book ii from the manger.htm

Dost Thou in a Manger Lie
... VII. CAROLS Carols 550. Dost thou in a manger lie. PM [2144]Mauburn: ... Tr. Elizabeth
Charles, 1858. Dost thou in a manger lie,. Who hast all created,. ...
/.../carols 550 dost thou in.htm

Beside the Manger.
... Birth of Christ."Christmas. BESIDE THE MANGER. Now at the manger here
I stand, My Jesus, Life from Heaven! I stand, and bring ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/beside the manger.htm

Jesus is Born in Bethlehem
... was born. Mary wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in the manger
in the place where the animals' food was kept. On the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter ii jesus is born.htm

At the Manger.
... Birth of Christ."Christmas. AT THE MANGER. Thy manger is My paradise, O
Jesus Christ! Where feeds my soul delighted. There 'fore ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/at the manger.htm

Now the Scripture Speaks, Respecting the Place of the Saviour's ...
... that, in conformity with the narrative in the Gospel regarding His birth, there
is shown at Bethlehem the cave [3164] where He was born, and the manger in the ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter li now the scripture.htm

Christ's Boyhood
... They stumbled at the stumbling-block of the manger in Bethlehem, as they did at
the stumbling-block of the cross on Calvary; and they wanted to make out that ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xix christs boyhood.htm

Careful Treatment Required.
... And yet what wonderful fascination is there even for a little child in the story
of the manger in Bethlehem, of the Transfiguration, of Gabbatha and Golgotha. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/i careful treatment required.htm

Like Silver Lamps in a Distant Shrine
... PM [2140]The Manger Throne: Charles Steggall, 1867. ... And never a palace shone half
so fair. As the manger-bed where our Savior lies; No night in the year. ...
/.../carols 548 like silver lamps.htm

The Birth of Jesus. Ch. 2:1-20
... that she should be delivered.7 And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she
wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/e the birth of jesus.htm

Resources
Was Jesus born on December 25? Is December 25 Jesus' birthday? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that baby Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes? | GotQuestions.org

What were the key events in the life of Jesus Christ? (Part 1) | GotQuestions.org

Manger: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Manger: (A Feeding Box for Cattle)
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