Capstone Bible
  1. Library
  2. Sites
  3. Shepherds' Field

Traditional Site

Shepherds' Field

SHEP-erdz FEELD · Modern Shepherds' Field, Beit Sahour, West Bank · 31.7073° N, 35.2301° E

A site in the fields southeast of Bethlehem, in the town of Beit Sahour, traditionally venerated as the location where an angel announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds "keeping watch over their flock by night" (Luke 2:8-20).

Archaeology

Excavations have revealed caves showing evidence of habitation during the Herodian and Roman periods, ancient oil presses, and a Byzantine monastery built around AD 400. These finds confirm the area's long use for shepherding and its veneration since the Byzantine era, but there is no archaeological way to confirm the precise field where the angelic announcement occurred.

The Chapel of the Shepherds' Field near Bethlehem
The Chapel of the Shepherds' Field near Bethlehem — source & licence
The "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" Chapel at the Catholic Shepherds' Field sanctuary
The "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" Chapel at the Catholic Shepherds' Field sanctuary — source & licence

On a modern map

Shepherds' Field today

Further reading

Reflect

The angels' announcement came to shepherds on the night shift — where might good news be looking for you in your ordinary work?

More sites

Capstone Bible is a free interactive study app — a map of every place in this library, a zoomable timeline of biblical and church history, the Bible text with every name in it linked to its article, reading plans and personal notes.

Open Capstone Bible