The term "Ephrathite" is derived from Ephrath, an ancient name associated with the region of Bethlehem in Judah. It is used in the Bible to denote individuals or families originating from this area. The name Ephrath itself is often linked with fruitfulness or abundance, which is fitting given the region's historical significance and its association with key biblical figures.

Biblical References:

1. Ruth 1:2 : "The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah." This verse introduces Elimelech and his family, who are described as Ephrathites. Their origin from Bethlehem is significant, as it sets the stage for the events in the Book of Ruth, including the eventual lineage leading to King David.

2. 1 Samuel 17:12 : "Now David was the son of the Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons, and in the days of Saul, the man was old and advanced in years." Here, David is identified as the son of an Ephrathite, Jesse, emphasizing his roots in Bethlehem. This connection is crucial, as it fulfills the prophetic significance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the future king of Israel.

3. 1 Chronicles 2:19, 24, 50 : These passages mention Ephrath as the wife of Caleb and the mother of Hur, further linking the term Ephrathite to a notable family lineage within the tribe of Judah. The genealogical records in Chronicles highlight the importance of Ephrathites in the broader narrative of Israel's history.

Significance in Biblical Narrative:

The designation "Ephrathite" is not merely a geographical marker but also a testament to the rich heritage and divine providence associated with Bethlehem. As the birthplace of King David, Bethlehem holds a central place in the messianic prophecies, which are later fulfilled in the New Testament with the birth of Jesus Christ. The Ephrathite lineage underscores God's sovereign plan in choosing Bethlehem as the origin of both Davidic and Messianic lines.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, identifying individuals by their place of origin was common, serving to establish their identity, heritage, and social standing. The Ephrathites, being from Bethlehem, were part of the tribe of Judah, which held a prominent position among the tribes of Israel. This tribal affiliation is significant in understanding the socio-political dynamics of the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the monarchy and the prophetic tradition.

Theological Implications:

The Ephrathite identity carries theological weight, as it connects the themes of promise, fulfillment, and divine election. The choice of Bethlehem as the birthplace of key biblical figures highlights God's pattern of using seemingly insignificant places and people to accomplish His purposes. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, illustrating the principle that God's ways often defy human expectations and hierarchies.

In summary, the term "Ephrathite" encapsulates a rich tapestry of biblical history, prophecy, and theology, centered around the pivotal location of Bethlehem and its enduring legacy in the Judeo-Christian tradition.Ephrathite

1. An inhabitant of Bethlehem. (Ruth 1:2)
2. An Ephraimite. (1 Samuel 1:1; 1 Kings 11:26)

A citizen of Ephratah, the old name of Bethlehem (Ruth 1:2; 1 Samuel 17:12), or Bethlehem-Judah. EPHRATHITE

ef'-rath-it, e'-frath-it.

See EPHRATH.

673. Ephrathi -- a descendant of Ephraim, also an inhabitant of ...
... of Ephraim, also an inhab. of Ephrath NASB Word Usage Ephraimite (3), Ephrathite
(1), Ephrathites (1). Ephraimite, Ephrathite. Patrial ...
/hebrew/673.htm - 6k

The New Garment Bent
... THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS THE NEW GARMENT BENT. 'And Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an
Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new garment bent.htm

Ephrathite (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. EPHRATHITE. ef'-rath-it, e'-frath-it. See
EPHRATH. Multi-Version Concordance Ephrathite (3 Occurrences). ...
/e/ephrathite.htm - 7k

Jesse (45 Occurrences)
... Here Jesse is mentioned as "an Ephrathite of Beth-lehem-judah" (17:12, not "that"
Ephrathite, which is a grammatically impossible translation of the Massoretic ...
/j/jesse.htm - 32k

Eph'rathite (1 Occurrence)
Eph'rathite. Ephrathite, Eph'rathite. Ephrathites . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Ephrathite, Eph'rathite. Ephrathites . Reference Bible.
/e/eph'rathite.htm - 6k

Eph'rathah (6 Occurrences)
Eph'rathah. Ephrathah, Eph'rathah. Ephrathite . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Ephrathah, Eph'rathah. Ephrathite . Reference Bible.
/e/eph'rathah.htm - 8k

Bethlehem (49 Occurrences)
... native land. David himself "was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem-
judah, whose name was Jesse" (1 Samuel 17:12). To Bethlehem ...
/b/bethlehem.htm - 31k

Jeroboam (96 Occurrences)
... (1.) The son of Nebat (1 Kings 11:26-39), "an Ephrathite," the first king of the
ten tribes, over whom he reigned twenty-two years (BC 976-945). ...
/j/jeroboam.htm - 62k

Ramathaimzophim (1 Occurrence)
... man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham,
the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: (KJV ...
/r/ramathaimzophim.htm - 8k

Ephrath (9 Occurrences)
... district in which Bethlehem was situated. A man of this place was called
an Ephrathite (Ruth 1:2 1 Samuel 17:12). It is held by many ...
/e/ephrath.htm - 10k

Elkanah (20 Occurrences)
... Chronicles 6:27, 34). He was "an Ephrathite" (1 Samuel 1:1, 4, 8), but lived
at Ramah, a man of wealth and high position. He had two ...
/e/elkanah.htm - 14k

Ephrathah (6 Occurrences)
... district in which Bethlehem was situated. A man of this place was called
an Ephrathite (Ruth 1:2 1 Samuel 17:12). It is held by many ...
/e/ephrathah.htm - 9k

Who were the Ephrathites? | GotQuestions.org

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