• The ancient name of Bethlehem in Judah (Genesis 35:16,19; 48:7 ). In Ruth 1:2 it is called "Bethlehem-Judah," but the inhabitants are called "Ephrathites;" in Micah 5:2 , "Bethlehem-Ephratah;" in Matthew 2:6 , "Bethlehem in the land of Judah." In Psalm 132:6 it is mentioned as the place where David spent his youth, and where he heard much of the ark, although he never saw it till he found it long afterwards at Kirjath-jearim; i.e., the "city of the wood," or the "forest-town" ( 1 Samuel 7:1; Compare 2 Samuel 6:3,4 ).

    Copyright StatementThese dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.

    Bibliography InformationEaston, Matthew George. Entry for 'Ephratah'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/e/ephratah.html. 1897.