Have you ever questioned the origins of certain beliefs or traditions that seem inseparable from Christianity? Some practices and images are so deeply ingrained in popular culture and religious observance that many assume they originate directly from the Bible.
However, upon closer examination, we find that some of these traditions are based more on interpretation, cultural evolution, or even misunderstanding than on Scripture itself. Let’s uncover six traditions that you might think are biblical but are not explicitly found in the Bible.
1. The Forbidden Fruit as an Apple
When we think of the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the image of a juicy red apple often comes to mind. Artists and storytellers have reinforced this depiction for centuries, but the Bible itself does not specify the type of fruit.
In Genesis 3:6, the text simply states: “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.” The fruit is not identified as an apple.
The association with an apple likely originated with the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible. In Latin, the word malum can mean both “evil” and “apple,” creating a symbolic link that medieval artists and interpreters embraced.
The actual type of fruit remains unknown. Scholars suggest possibilities such as pomegranates, figs, or dates—all fruits common to the region traditionally associated with the Garden of Eden.
Ultimately, the story’s focus is not on the fruit itself but on Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God’s command, as highlighted in Genesis 2:16-17. The real “forbidden fruit” was their choice to seek wisdom apart from God, illustrating the consequences of disobedience.
2. The “Three” Wise Men
The Nativity scene featuring three crowned wise men bearing gifts for baby Jesus is a staple of Christmas traditions. However, the Bible neither specifies that there were three Magi nor refers to them as kings.
Matthew 2:1-2 describes the visitors as Magi from the East who followed a star to find the newborn King of the Jews. The term Magi refers to learned men, likely astronomers or scholars from Persia or Babylon.
The number three is inferred from the three gifts mentioned—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—but the text does not confirm the number of visitors. Additionally, their visit likely occurred months or even years after Jesus’ birth, as Matthew 2:11 mentions they found the child in a house, not a stable.
The tradition of naming the Magi (Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar) and depicting them as kings arose centuries later, influenced by interpretations of prophecies such as Isaiah 60:3. Despite these embellishments, the true significance of the Magi lies in their recognition of Jesus as King and their journey of faith to worship Him.
3. Mary Magdalene as a Prostitute
One of the most persistent misconceptions in Christian tradition is the portrayal of Mary Magdalene as a repentant prostitute. This idea, however, is not supported by the Bible.
Luke 8:2 introduces Mary Magdalene as a woman from whom seven demons were cast out, but it does not describe her as a prostitute. The confusion likely arose from a conflation of different women in the Gospels: the unnamed “sinful woman” who anointed Jesus’ feet in Luke 7:36-50, Mary of Bethany (sister of Martha and Lazarus), and Mary Magdalene. Over time, these distinct figures were merged into one.
In reality, Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus. She witnessed His crucifixion (John 19:25), helped prepare His body for burial (Mark 15:47), and was the first to see the resurrected Christ (John 20:14-18). Her true story is one of transformation and leadership, not of scandal. This narrative highlights her role as a prominent witness to the foundational events of Christianity.
4. Christmas on December 25
Luke 2:8 mentions shepherds living in the fields and keeping watch over their flocks at night. This detail aligns more with the warmer months (spring to autumn) when shepherds grazed their sheep outdoors. Additionally, the census mentioned in Luke 2:1-4 would have been unlikely to occur in winter, given the difficulty of travel during cold, rainy months.
The choice of December 25 traces back to the 4th century when the Roman church designated this date to coincide with the pagan festival Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (“Birthday of the Unconquered Sun”). By Christianizing this celebration, the church sought to redirect attention to Jesus as the true light of the world.
Some scholars propose that Jesus’ birth may have occurred during the Feast of Tabernacles in the fall, drawing connections to John 1:14, which describes Jesus “tabernacling” among us. Regardless of the exact date, the focus remains on the profound significance of His incarnation.
5. Jesus’ Physical Appearance
Art and popular culture often depict Jesus with long brown hair, fair skin, and light-colored eyes. However, the Bible provides no detailed description of His physical appearance.
Isaiah 53:2 offers the only prophetic reference: “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” As a first-century Jewish man from the Middle East, Jesus likely had darker skin, dark hair, and brown eyes, resembling the people of His time and region.
The familiar image of Jesus emerged during the European Renaissance, influenced by the cultural and racial features of the artists’ societies. Historical and archaeological evidence suggests that Jesus would have looked quite different from these portrayals, with short hair (as suggested by 1 Corinthians 11:14) and a physically strong build from His work as a carpenter.
This lack of physical description emphasizes the universal nature of Jesus’ mission. His appearance is secondary to the transformative power of His message and sacrifice.
6. Angels with Wings and Halos
The popular image of angels as glowing beings with large white wings and golden halos is deeply ingrained in art and media. However, this depiction is not rooted in biblical descriptions.
In most biblical accounts, angels appear as ordinary men. For example, the three visitors to Abraham in Genesis 18 are recognized as angels only later. Hebrews 13:2 even advises believers to show hospitality to strangers, as some have entertained angels without realizing it.
Cherubim and seraphim are the only angelic beings described with wings in the Bible. Isaiah 6:2 depicts seraphim with six wings, while cherubim are portrayed as guardians in Exodus and Ezekiel. The concept of halos comes from Greco-Roman art, where circles of light symbolized divinity or supernatural power.
Biblical accounts emphasize the awe-inspiring nature of angels. When they appear, people often respond with fear, prompting angels to say, “Do not be afraid” (Luke 2:9-10). Their primary role is to serve as God’s messengers and agents, as seen in stories such as Peter’s release from prison (Acts 12:7) and the announcement of Jesus’ birth.
These six examples remind us to approach Scripture with a discerning eye and an open heart. Traditions can enrich our faith, but they should never overshadow the truth of God’s Word. By seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible, we honor the profound message it conveys without being misled by misconceptions.
As Jesus said in John 8:32: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Let us embrace the beauty and clarity of biblical truth, leaving behind the myths and traditions that may distract us from its transformative power.
