Lexical Summary Ephrathi: Ephrathite Original Word: אֶפְרָתִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ephraimite, Ephrathite Patrial form 'Ephraath; an Ephrathite or an Ephraimite -- Ephraimite, Ephrathite. see HEBREW 'Ephraath NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as apher Definition a desc. of Ephraim, also an inhab. of Ephrath NASB Translation Ephraimite (3), Ephrathite (1), Ephrathites (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֶפְרָתִי adjective, of a people Ephrathite. 1 Ephraimite, compare אֶפְרָתָה 1 Judges 12:5; 1 Samuel 1:1 (of ancestor of Elkanah) 1 Kings 11:26 (of Jeroboam) 2 from ׳א 2; מִבֵּית לֶחֶם ׳א 1 Samuel 17:12 (of Jesse); plural אֶפְרָתִים מִבֵּית לֶחֶם Ruth 1:2. אפת (meaning dubious √ whence Arabic Topical Lexicon Scope of the Termאֶפְרָתִי (Strong’s 673) designates a person identified either with Ephrath/Bethlehem in Judah or with the tribe or hill–country of Ephraim. Scripture uses the same form for both settings, so the context determines whether geography (Bethlehem) or tribal lineage (Ephraim) is intended. This dual usage underscores the fluidity of Israelite nomenclature and cautions readers to observe narrative setting when interpreting genealogical or tribal labels. Association with Bethlehem (Ephrath) 1. Ruth 1:2 places Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon, and Chilion in the category of “Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah.” Their migration to Moab, Naomi’s return, and Ruth’s conversion introduce the Davidic line. By calling the family Ephrathites, the text anchors the lineage of the future king to Bethlehem long before David’s birth. 2. 1 Samuel 17:12 describes Jesse as “the son of an Ephrathite from Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse”. The link to Bethlehem reiterates the prophetic expectation that the Messiah would arise from this town (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6), and the repeated label underscores God’s providential shaping of redemptive history through a specific locality. Connection to Ephraim 1. In 1 Samuel 1:1 Elkanah is introduced as “an Ephraimite.” While he lived in the hill–country of Ephraim, genealogy later shows Levitical blood (1 Chronicles 6:33–38). The term therefore highlights residence more than pure tribal descent, demonstrating that Levitical families often settled among the tribes they served (Joshua 21:20). 2. 1 Kings 11:26 calls Jeroboam “an Ephraimite from Zeredah.” His rise and subsequent rebellion against Solomon fulfill Ahijah’s prophecy of a divided kingdom. The Ephraimite label rehearses the historic prominence—and eventual spiritual waywardness—of the tribe that would dominate the northern kingdom. 3. Judges 12:5 records the civil war between Gilead and Ephraim, where fugitives were asked, “Are you an Ephraimite?” The term marks tribal identity in a moment of bitter intra-Israelite strife, contrasting sharply with later uses that highlight covenantal hope (Bethlehem) rather than division (Ephraim). Notable Individuals Referred to as אֶפְרָתִי • Elimelech’s household: foundational to the Messianic line (Ruth 1:2). Theological and Ministry Significance 1. Messianic Trajectory The Bethlehem usage ties directly to the Davidic covenant. By repeatedly calling key ancestors “Ephrathites,” Scripture lays a geographical breadcrumb trail that culminates in the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, thereby showcasing divine orchestration across centuries. 2. Warning and Instruction The Ephraim usage carries cautionary overtones. Jeroboam’s idolatry and the internecine conflict of Judges 12 spotlight the perils of pride, rebellion, and fractured worship. Ministers can draw from these texts to warn congregations against divisions that undermine covenant unity. 3. Servant Leadership Elkanah’s designation locates Samuel’s origins in a region associated with both worship (Shiloh) and tribal diversity. Samuel’s prophetic and judicial ministry models faithful leadership rising from humble, regionally mixed beginnings—an encouragement to believers serving outside their ancestral or cultural “comfort zones.” Summary אֶפְרָתִי functions as a narrative hinge between promise and peril. When the term points to Bethlehem, it heralds hope, kingship, and ultimately Messiah. When it points to Ephraim, it reminds readers of the dangers of factionalism and idolatry. In every occurrence, the word underscores the sovereignty of God over geography, genealogy, and history, and invites believers to find their own identity within His unfolding redemptive plan. Forms and Transliterations אֶפְרָתִ֔ים אֶפְרָתִ֜י אֶפְרָתִֽי׃ אפרתי אפרתי׃ אפרתים הַֽאֶפְרָתִ֥י האפרתי ’ep̄·rā·ṯî ’ep̄·rā·ṯîm ’ep̄rāṯî ’ep̄rāṯîm efraTi efraTim ha’ep̄rāṯî ha·’ep̄·rā·ṯî haefraTiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 12:5 HEB: אַנְשֵֽׁי־ גִלְעָ֛ד הַֽאֶפְרָתִ֥י אַ֖תָּה וַיֹּ֥אמֶֽר ׀ NAS: would say to him, Are you an Ephraimite? If he said, KJV: said unto him, [Art] thou an Ephraimite? If he said, INT: the men of Gilead Ephraimite you say Ruth 1:2 1 Samuel 1:1 1 Samuel 17:12 1 Kings 11:26 5 Occurrences |
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calamity, & also wonder, portent; according to Thes Arabic √ = 
suffer evil). **but Thes612. Add. 72 deletes אפת, and derives מוֺפֵת from √ פו׳׳, so BaNB § 172 c; see also, on 
as late by-form of 
, DBMacdonaldJBL xiv (1895). 58 ff..