Bethlehem, Ephrathah

Definition

Bethlehem was a small city in the land of Israel, near the city of Jerusalem. It was also known as “Ephrathah,” which was probably its original name.

• Bethlehem has been called the “city of David,” since King David was born there.
• The prophet Micah said that the Messiah would come from “Bethlehem Ephrathah.”
• Fulfilling that prophecy, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, many years later.
• The name “Bethlehem” means “house of bread” or “house of food.”

(See also: Caleb, David, Micah)

Bible References

• Genesis 35:16
• John 7:42
• Matthew 2:6
• Matthew 2:16
• Ruth 1:2
• Ruth 1:21

Examples from the Bible stories

• __17:2 David was a shepherd from the town of Bethlehem__.
• __21:9 The prophet Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be born from a virgin. The prophet Micah said that he would be born in the town of Bethlehem__.
• __23:4 Joseph and Mary had to make a long journey from where they lived in Nazareth to Bethlehem because their ancestor was David whose hometown was Bethlehem__.
• __23:6 “The Messiah, the Master, has been born in Bethlehem__!”

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0376, H0672, H1035, G09650