Beth-Lehemite
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Beth-Lehemite in the Bible?
Beth-Lehemite refers to the inhabitants of Bethlehem in Judah, a designation applied to biblical figures such as Jesse and Elhanan in the books of Samuel and to individuals listed in the genealogies of Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 Esdras.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this term clarifies the ancestral roots of key biblical personalities, most notably King David, and provides essential context for tracing the lineage and social networks described in the historical books of the Hebrew Bible.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Beth-Lehemite reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Beth-Lehemite in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Beth-Lehemite clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Beth-Lehemite." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bethlehemite/