What does it mean that baby Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes?

Answer

Swaddling clothes are cloths and bands used in the practice of swaddling, essentially wrapping an infant tightly in cloth. The purpose of swaddling is to help the baby transition from the womb, a very snug place, to the outside world. Swaddling clothes are still utilized today, albeit with some modifications. Overall, swaddling has been proven to aid infants in sleeping better, prevent them from scratching themselves, and reduce the risk of SIDS. Throughout history, as well as in modern times, a properly wrapped and monitored swaddled infant was considered safe. Many cultures continue to practice swaddling today.

The biblical passage that mentions swaddling clothes is Luke 2: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”, (Luke 2:7, ESV). By swaddling baby Jesus, Mary demonstrated her attentiveness and love as a mother. The angel who spoke to the shepherds on the hillside also mentioned swaddling clothes as part of the sign indicating that they had found the Messiah “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”, (Luke 2:12).

There are intriguing theories regarding Luke’s mention of Jesus’ swaddling clothes. Some have suggested that the swaddling clothes foreshadowed—served as a prophetic reference to—Jesus’ burial cloths. The Greek word sparganoo, the root word in the phrase “swaddling clothes,” means “to clothe in strips of cloth.” However, this word sparganoo is never used in the New Testament.

Testament refers to the burial cloth. In the descriptions in the Gospels of Jesus’ burial, we see variations on the phrase “wrapped in linen cloth,” and different Greek words are used for the binding. The swaddling clothes could prefigure Jesus’ burial; the Magis’ gift of myrrh in Matthew 2:11 is a clearer bit of foreshadowing, but the link can’t be proved linguistically.

When the Son of God came into our world, He was entrusted to responsible, loving parents who sought to meet His every need. Baby Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes according to the custom of the day, an action that showed the tender care and affection of His mother.