en_tw_old/bible/names/bethlehem.md

# Bethlehem, Ephrathah #

## Facts: ##

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](../names/caleb.md), [David](../names/david.md), [Micah](../names/micah.md))

## Bible References: ##

* [Genesis 35:16-20](rc://en/tn/help/gen/35/16)
* [John 07:40-42](rc://en/tn/help/jhn/07/40)
* [Matthew 02:4-6](rc://en/tn/help/mat/02/04)
* [Matthew 02:16](rc://en/tn/help/mat/02/16)
* [Ruth 01:1-2](rc://en/tn/help/rut/01/01)
* [Ruth 01:19-21](rc://en/tn/help/rut/01/19)

## Examples from the Bible stories: ##

* __[17:02](rc://en/tn/help/obs/17/02)__ David was a shepherd from the town of __Bethlehem__.
* __[21:09](rc://en/tn/help/obs/21/09)__ 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__.
* __[23:04](rc://en/tn/help/obs/23/04)__ 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__.
* __[23:06](rc://en/tn/help/obs/23/06)__ "The Messiah, the Master, has been born in __Bethlehem__!"

## Word Data: ##

* Strong's: H376, H672, H1035, G965