Βηθλεέμ (Bēthleem)
Bēthleem
Bethlehem
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
Bēthleem is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Beth-lehem, meaning "house of bread." It identifies a small village located approximately six miles south of Jerusalem. The New Testament records this location in eight verses, primarily within the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, with one mention in John.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Bethlehem is central to the narrative of Jesus’ birth. The chief priests cite it as the prophesied home of a ruler who would shepherd Israel (Matthew 2:6). Later, King Herod orders the massacre of young boys there, fulfilling the prophecy of Rachel weeping for her children (Matthew 2:16-18).
Luke places Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem to highlight his Davidic lineage. Joseph travels from Nazareth to this ancestral town because he is descended from David (Luke 2:4). Angels later announce the good news to shepherds in the nearby fields, directing them to find the child wrapped in swaddling clothes (Luke 2:15).
John’s Gospel references Bethlehem when discussing public confusion about Jesus’ origins. Some people argue that the Messiah must come from Bethlehem, according to Scripture, even though they know Jesus is currently known as being from Galilee (John 7:42). This reference underscores the tension between human expectations and divine mystery.
The name itself, "house of bread," carries symbolic weight for Christian readers. It connects the physical location with the spiritual reality of Jesus as the Bread of Life. The village’s small size contrasts with its profound significance in salvation history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Bethlehem, meaning "house of bread," is far more than a coordinate on an ancient map. It is the place where God chose to enter human history in the most humble of settings. The name itself offers a quiet promise: this child born in a small village would become the spiritual sustenance for all who seek Him. In a world that often values size and power, the choice of such a modest location reminds us that divine provision meets us in simple, everyday realities.
When the shepherds rushed to see the newborn Jesus, they were not looking for a palace but for a sign of God’s nearness. This story invites us to look beyond surface appearances and recognize where God is at work in our own lives. It suggests that true nourishment often comes from unexpected places, challenging our expectations about where we should find hope.
Reflecting on this word can bring comfort during seasons of uncertainty. Just as Bethlehem was the starting point for the Messiah’s mission, our own small steps of faith are seen and valued by God. We are encouraged to trust that He provides what we need, even when the path forward seems unclear or the circumstances seem too small to matter.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bethlehem7×
- Bethlehem,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Βηθλέεμ6×
- βηθλέεμ1×
- Βηθλέεμ,1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 2:6
‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah; for out of you shall come a governor who shall shepherd my people, Israel.’”
This verse explicitly links the location to the prophecy of a ruler who would shepherd Israel, establishing Bethlehem as the prophetic center of messianic expectation.
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Luke 2:4
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to David’s city, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
The mention here highlights Joseph’s obedience and Davidic lineage, showing how God uses family history to fulfill ancient promises through specific geographical ties.
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John 7:42
Hasn’t the Scripture said that the Christ comes of the offspring of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?”
This reference reveals the tension between public knowledge of Jesus’ Galilean origins and the scriptural requirement for His Davidic birthplace, underscoring the mystery of His identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Bethlehem mean?
Why is Bethlehem mentioned in John's Gospel?
How does Luke describe Joseph's journey to Bethlehem?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 5 verses
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to…
Matthew 2:5They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is written through the prophet,
Matthew 2:6‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah; for out of you shall come a governor who…
Matthew 2:8He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me…
Matthew 2:16Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out and killed all the male…