φάτνη (phatnē)
phatnē
manger
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phatnē refers to a feeding trough or manger, a simple wooden or stone container for livestock. Its etymology connects it to the verb pateomai, meaning "to eat," which highlights its function as a place of sustenance rather than comfort. In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, all within the Gospel of Luke.
The most significant occurrence is in the nativity narrative, where Mary lays the newborn Jesus in a phatnē because there was no room in the inn (Luke 2:7). This detail underscores the humility of Christ’s birth. The word also appears in the angel’s sign to the shepherds (Luke 2:12) and in Jesus’ parable about unclean spirits returning with seven others, where a demon-possessed man is described as needing a phatnē (Luke 13:15). In each case, the manger serves as a stark symbol of lowliness and need.
Translators consistently render phatnē as "manger" or "crib," preserving the image of an animal’s feeding place. This choice emphasizes the contrast between the infant King of Kings and the humble conditions of his birth. The word carries no spiritual grandeur in itself; instead, it points to the incarnation’s entry into the ordinary and often overlooked corners of human life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phatnē points to a simple feeding trough, an ordinary object used to provide sustenance for animals. In the nativity story, this humble container held the newborn Jesus, highlighting that God entered human history in the most unassuming ways. It reminds us that divine presence is not limited to grand temples or palaces but meets us in everyday, often overlooked places.
This imagery invites a shift in perspective. When we encounter hardship or feel marginalized, we can find comfort in knowing that the King of Kings began His life in such a modest setting. The manger symbolizes God’s willingness to identify with human need and vulnerability. It is a tangible reminder that grace often arrives quietly, outside of our expectations.
Reflecting on this detail encourages us to look beyond surface appearances. Just as the shepherds recognized the significance of the baby in the trough, we are invited to see God’s work in the simple and humble aspects of life. This perspective fosters a deep sense of peace, knowing that no situation is too small for divine attention.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- stall,1×
- manger.1×
- a manger.1×
- a manger,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φάτνῃ.2×
- φάτνῃ,1×
- φάτνης,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:7
She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.
This verse establishes the manger as the immediate resting place for Jesus due to lack of space in the inn, grounding the incarnation in tangible human circumstance.
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Luke 2:12
This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.”
Here the angel uses the feeding trough as a specific sign for the shepherds, identifying the Messiah through an object associated with lowly service rather than royal splendor.
-
Luke 2:16
They came with haste and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough.
The shepherds’ discovery of the baby in the trough confirms the angel’s message, validating the humble reality of Christ’s birth through direct observation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word phatnē mean?
Why is the manger significant in Luke 2?
How many times does phatnē appear in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Luke 4 verses
She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough, because there…
Luke 2:12This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.”
Luke 2:16They came with haste and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough.
Luke 13:15Therefore the Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each one of you free his ox or his donkey from the stall on…