אֶפְרָ֫תָה (eph.ra.tah)
eph.ra.tah
Ephrathah
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
Ephrathah is a Hebrew term that functions primarily as a place name, most notably serving as an ancient designation for Bethlehem. In the Old Testament, it appears eight times, linking the quiet village of Judah to significant moments in Israel’s history. The sources indicate its meaning relates to "fruitfulness" or "ash-heap," a contrast that underscores the transformation of the site from a barren location to a center of life and lineage.
The word carries deep emotional weight because it marks the burial place of Rachel, Jacob’s beloved wife, who died while giving birth to Benjamin near Bethlehem (Genesis 35:19). This association connects the town to both sorrow and maternal legacy. Later biblical texts, such as Micah 5:2, identify Ephrathah as the prophesied birthplace of the ruler from David’s line, elevating its status from a simple geographic marker to a site of messianic hope.
It also appears in genealogical records, identifying the clan or district associated with Caleb and his descendants (1 Chronicles 2:19; Ruth 4:11). By using Ephrathah instead of Bethlehem, these passages often evoke the older, more intimate history of the land. The term reminds readers that the future hope of Israel is rooted in the ancient struggles and faithful lives of its ancestors.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Ephrathah is an ancient name for Bethlehem, a place where deep sorrow and great hope meet. It is best known as the site where Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin, marking it with maternal grief. Yet this same quiet village later became the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah, showing how God brings life from places of loss.
When you read about Ephrathah in Ruth or Psalms, remember that your own struggles are not forgotten. The name reminds us that faithfulness often happens in small, hidden moments. Just as this land became central to Israel’s story, your daily acts of love and trust matter deeply to God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ephrath4×
- Ephrathah3×
- in/ Ephrathah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֶפְרָ֑תָה3×
- אֶפְרָ֔תָה2×
- אֶפְרָ֔ת2×
- בְּ/אֶפְרָ֔תָה1×
- בְ/אֶפְרָ֑תָה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 35:19
Rachel died, and was buried on the way to Ephrath (also called Bethlehem).
This verse records Rachel's death and burial at Ephrathah, establishing the site's emotional weight as a place of maternal loss.
-
Ruth 4:11
All the people who were in the gate, and the elders, said, “We are witnesses. May Yahweh make the woman who has come into your house like Rachel and like Leah, which both built the house of Israel; and treat you worthily in Ephrathah, and be famous in Bethlehem.
The elders bless Boaz by linking him to Ephrathah, showing how the name connects personal family history with communal blessing.
-
Psalms 132:6
Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah. We found it in the field of Jaar.
The psalmist mentions hearing of the Ark in Ephrathah, connecting the place to the presence of God and Israel's worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ephrathah mean?
Why is Ephrathah important in the Bible?
How is Ephrathah different from Bethlehem?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 4 books)
Genesis 3 verses
They traveled from Bethel. There was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and Rachel travailed. She had hard labor.
Genesis 35:19Rachel died, and was buried on the way to Ephrath (also called Bethlehem).
Genesis 48:7As for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was still some…