Topical Encyclopedia
Ephratah, also spelled
Ephrath orEphrathah, is a significant biblical location and name with rich historical and theological implications. It is primarily associated with the region around Bethlehem and is mentioned in several key biblical passages.
Biblical References and Significance:
1.Genesis 35:16, 19 : Ephrath is first mentioned in the context of Rachel's death. As Jacob and his family journeyed from Bethel, Rachel went into labor and gave birth to Benjamin. Tragically, she died during childbirth and was buried on the way to Ephrath, which is identified as Bethlehem: "So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)."
2.Ruth 4:11 : Ephrathah is referenced in the blessing given to Ruth by the elders at the city gate of Bethlehem. They express their hope that Ruth would be like Rachel and Leah, who built the house of Israel, and that she would prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem: "May you have standing in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem."
3.1 Chronicles 2:19, 24, 50 : Ephrathah is also mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. Caleb, the son of Hezron, is said to have had a wife named Ephrath, who bore him Hur. This connection further ties the name Ephrathah to the lineage of Judah and the heritage of Bethlehem.
4.Micah 5:2 : Perhaps the most significant prophetic reference to Ephrathah is found in the book of Micah, where it is foretold that a ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem Ephrathah: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." This prophecy is widely recognized as a messianic prediction, fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.
Theological Implications:
Ephrathah holds a place of prominence in biblical theology due to its association with Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David and, more importantly, Jesus Christ. The prophetic significance ofMicah 5:2 underscores the divine plan for the Messiah to emerge from this seemingly insignificant town, highlighting God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises.
Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Israel, Ephrathah was a region within the tribal territory of Judah. Its mention alongside Bethlehem suggests it may have been a district or a notable family within the area. The dual reference to Ephrathah and Bethlehem in various texts indicates the close relationship between the two, with Ephrathah often serving as a more ancient or formal designation for the region.
Conclusion:
Ephrathah's biblical mentions, particularly in relation to Bethlehem, underscore its importance in the narrative of Israel's history and God's redemptive plan. From the burial place of Rachel to the prophetic birthplace of the Messiah, Ephrathah is woven into the fabric of biblical history, symbolizing both heritage and hope.Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
EphratahEphrath, abundance; bearing fruit
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Fruitful.
(1.) The second wife of Caleb, the son of Hezron, mother of Hur, and grandmother of Caleb, who was one of those that were sent to spy the land (1 Chronicles 2:19, 50).
(2.) The ancient name of Bethlehem in Judah (Genesis 35:16, 19;48:7). InRuth 1:2 it is called "Bethlehem-Judah," but the inhabitants are called "Ephrathites;" inMicah 5:2, "Bethlehem-Ephratah;" inMatthew 2:6, "Bethlehem in the land of Judah." InPsalm 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; Comp.2 Samuel 6:3, 4).
Strong's Hebrew
672. Ephrath -- an Israelite woman, also the name of several...... NASB Word Usage Ephrath (5), Ephrathah (5). Ephrath,
Ephratah.
... 132:6) perhaps for
Ephraim; also of an Israelitish woman -- Ephrath,
Ephratah. see HEBREW parah.
...Library
And thou, BethlehemEphratah, too little to be among the thousands...
... CHAP. V. 1. "And thou, BethlehemEphratah, too little to be among the thousands
of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in...
The Incarnation and Birth of Christ
... CH SPURGEON. At New Park Street Chapel, Southwark. "But thou, Beth-lehemEphratah,
though thou be... "BethlehemEphratah." The word Bethlehem has a double meaning....
The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
... gar exeleusetai hegoumenos, hostis poimanei ton laon mou, ton Israel.] The first
thing which demands our attention is [Greek: ge Iouda] for theEphratah of the...
Letter Lvii. To Pammachius on the Best Method of Translating.
... that shall rule my people Israel." [1693] In the Vulgate [1694] this passage appears
as follows:""And thou Bethlehem, the house ofEphratah, art small to be...
Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... [2790] HailEphratah, land of fruitfulness [2791] and of fertility, whose fruit
is the Lord Himself. Concerning thee has Micah prophesied...
God his Own Interpreter.
... The prediction that "Thou, BethlehemEphratah, though thou be little among the
thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me, he that is to...
The Mourner's Creed.
... With the exception of Micah's statement regarding Bethlehem-Ephratah as His birthplace,
we question if any other remarkable prediction concerning Him had yet...
Following the Star.
... They knew very well where to find them, and they read to the king these words from
the prophet Micah:". "But thou, BethlehemEphratah, which art little among...
Emmaus. Kiriath-Jearim.
... In Psalm 132:6; "We heard of it" (the ark) "inEphratah" (that is, Shiloh, a city
of Ephraim); "we found it in the fields of the wood" (that is, in Kiriath...
Psalm 132
... A place of habitation. for Jacob's mighty God. ^6Lo, at the place ofEphratah. of
it we understood; And we did find it in the fields,. and city of the wood....
Thesaurus
Ephratah (5 Occurrences)... 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
...Caleb-Ephratah (1 Occurrence)
Caleb-Ephratah. Calebephratah, Caleb-Ephratah. Caleb-Ephrath .
Multi-Version Concordance Caleb-Ephratah (1 Occurrence)....
Ephrath (9 Occurrences)
... Joshua 15:59 (in added verse of Septuagint only); Ruth 4:11 1 Chronicles 2:19, 24,
50; Psalm 132:6 Micah 5:2, the King James Version "Ephratah"): The name...
Caleb (39 Occurrences)
... (2.) A "son of Hur, the firstborn ofEphratah" (1 Chronicles 2:50). Some would
read the whole passage thus: "These [ie, the list in ver....
Forest (67 Occurrences)
... The most extensive was the trans-Jordanic forest of Ephraim (2 Samuel 18:6, 8; Joshua
17:15, 18), which is probably the same as the wood ofEphratah (Psalm 132...
Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences)
... (DBY WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles 2:50 These are the sons of Caleb. The sons of Hur, the
firstborn ofEphratah: Shobal the father of Kirjath-jearim, (DBY WBS YLT)....
Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)
... (KJV). 1 Chronicles 2:50 These were the sons of Caleb the son of Hur, the firstborn
ofEphratah; Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim. (KJV)....
Ephrathite (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A citizen ofEphratah, the old name of Bethlehem (Ruth
1:2; 1 Samuel 17:12), or Bethlehem-Judah. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia....
Ephrata (1 Occurrence)
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