Ephratha (also spelled Ephrath or Ephrathah) is a significant biblical location and term with rich historical and theological implications. It is primarily associated with Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ, and is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 35:16-19 : Ephratha is first mentioned in the context of Rachel's death. As Jacob and his family journeyed from Bethel, Rachel went into labor and gave birth to Benjamin. Tragically, she died during childbirth and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). The passage states, "So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem)."

2. Ruth 4:11 : The elders and people of Bethlehem bless Boaz and Ruth, saying, "May the LORD make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem." This blessing highlights the connection between Ephrathah and Bethlehem, emphasizing its significance as a place of prosperity and legacy.

3. 1 Chronicles 2:50-51 : Ephrathah is mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. Caleb's descendants are noted, and Ephrathah is identified as the wife of Caleb, linking her to the lineage of Judah and the heritage of Bethlehem.

4. Micah 5:2 : The prophet Micah foretells the birthplace of the Messiah, stating, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." This prophecy is pivotal in Christian theology, as it points to the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, fulfilling the messianic expectation.

5. Psalm 132:6 : The psalmist refers to Ephrathah in the context of seeking the Ark of the Covenant, "We heard the ark was in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar." This reference underscores the historical and spiritual significance of Ephrathah as a place associated with divine presence and worship.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Ephratha, often synonymous with Bethlehem, holds a central place in biblical history and prophecy. It is the setting for key events in the lineage of David and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. The association of Ephratha with Bethlehem underscores its importance as a humble yet pivotal location in God's redemptive plan.

Theologically, Ephratha represents God's choice of the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His purposes. Despite its small size and humble status, Bethlehem Ephrathah becomes the birthplace of the Savior, illustrating the divine principle that God often works through the least expected means to bring about His will.

In summary, Ephratha is a term rich with historical, genealogical, and prophetic significance, deeply intertwined with the narrative of redemption and the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ.

The Testament of Reuben Concerning Thoughts.
... For while Jacob our father was absent with Isaac his father, when we were in Gader,
near to Ephratha in Bethlehem, Bilhah was drunk, and lay asleep uncovered ...
/.../i the testament of reuben concerning.htm

Ancient Versions Based Upon the Septuagint.
... Micah v.2. CYPRIAN, testimonia ii.12. WEINGARTEN FRAGMENTS. et tu, Bethleem, domus
illius Ephratha, num exigua es ut constituaris in milibus Iuda? ...
/.../chapter iv ancient versions based.htm

The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
... as he does the Hebrew text. The former has here: [Greek: kai su Bethleema,
oikos Ephratha] (thus without an article. Cod. Vatic.). ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the quotation in matt ii.htm

Quotations from the Lxx. In the New Testament.
... kai su, Bethleem, oikos Ephratha, oligostos ei tou einai en chiliasin Iouda; ex
hou moi exeleusetai tou einai eis archonta tou Israel . . . kai poimanei . . . ...
/.../chapter ii quotations from the.htm

The Septuagint as a Version.
... gdr. Tas phulas tou Israel: LXX. read svty ysr'l for spht y. ?2. Bethleem
oikos tou Ephratha: did LXX. read ?bytlchm byt 'phrth? ...
/.../chapter v the septuagint as.htm

Ephratha (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ephratha (2 Occurrences). ... Genesis 35:19 and Rachel dieth,
and is buried in the way to Ephratha, which 'is' Bethlehem, (YLT). ...
/e/ephratha.htm - 6k

Ephrath (9 Occurrences)
... ef'-rath, e'-frath, ef'-ra-tha, ef-ra'-tha ('ephrath; Ephratha; Genesis 35:16; Genesis
48:7); ('ephrathah, in the other references: Joshua 15:59 (in added ...
/e/ephrath.htm - 10k

Ephrathah (6 Occurrences)
... ef'-rath, e'-frath, ef'-ra-tha, ef-ra'-tha ('ephrath; Ephratha; Genesis 35:16; Genesis
48:7); ('ephrathah, in the other references: Joshua 15:59 (in added ...
/e/ephrathah.htm - 9k

Kibrath (3 Occurrences)
... Genesis 35:16 And they journey from Bethel, and there is yet a kibrath of land before
entering Ephratha, and Rachel beareth, and is sharply pained in her ...
/k/kibrath.htm - 7k

Dieth (192 Occurrences)
... weeping.' (YLT). Genesis 35:19 and Rachel dieth, and is buried in the way
to Ephratha, which 'is' Bethlehem, (YLT). Genesis 35:29 ...
/d/dieth.htm - 34k

Pained (41 Occurrences)
... Genesis 35:16 And they journey from Bethel, and there is yet a kibrath of land before
entering Ephratha, and Rachel beareth, and is sharply pained in her ...
/p/pained.htm - 18k

Sharply (20 Occurrences)
... Genesis 35:16 And they journey from Bethel, and there is yet a kibrath of land before
entering Ephratha, and Rachel beareth, and is sharply pained in her ...
/s/sharply.htm - 12k

Beareth (108 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Genesis 35:16 And they journey from Bethel, and there is yet a kibrath of
land before entering Ephratha, and Rachel beareth, and is sharply pained in her ...
/b/beareth.htm - 34k

Entering (124 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Genesis 35:16 And they journey from Bethel, and there is yet a kibrath of
land before entering Ephratha, and Rachel beareth, and is sharply pained in her ...
/e/entering.htm - 37k

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