Ephrath; Ephrathah
LocationsGeographical Setting
Ephrathah is an ancient designation for the settlement now known as Bethlehem, located in the Judean hills.
What is the meaning of Ephrath; Ephrathah in the Bible?
The name either of Bethlehem itself or of a district in which Bethlehem was situated. A man from this place was called an Ephrathite.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Ephrathah clarifies the specific geographic setting of Rachel's burial in Genesis 35:19 and connects the ancestral history of the tribe of Judah to the later Davidic lineage, as David is frequently identified as the 'son of an Ephrathite' in the Psalms and prophetic literature.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Ephrath; Ephrathah (located near modern Bethlehem, West Bank) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ephrath; Ephrathah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ephrath; Ephrathah clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Genesis 35:19
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
"Ephrath; Ephrathah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ephrath-ephrathah/