Bible Dictionary
Ephratah
Ephratah was the name of Caleb’s wife and also the ancient name of Bethlehem in Judah. Bethlehem-Ephratah is associated with the family line of David and with the place later identified as Bethlehem.
Definition
Ephratah means “fruitful.” The name designates Caleb’s second wife and the ancient name of Bethlehem in Judah. Bethlehem is also called Bethlehem-Ephratah.
Biblical Usage
Ephratah is connected with Bethlehem, the town associated with David’s youth and with the family line of David. Its inhabitants are called Ephrathites, and Bethlehem-Ephratah is named in Micah.
Historical Background
The ancient name Ephratah was used for Bethlehem in Judah. The name also occurs in genealogical material concerning Caleb, Hur, and Caleb’s descendants.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Fruitful. (1.) The second wife of Caleb, the son of Hezron, mother of Hur, and grandmother of Caleb, who was one of those that were sent to spy the land (1 Chr. 2:19, 50). (2.) The ancient name of Bethlehem in Judah (Gen. 35:16, 19; 48:7). In Ruth 1:2 it is called “Bethlehem-Judah,” but the inhabitants are called “Ephrathites;” in Micah 5:2, “Bethlehem-Ephratah;” in Matt. 2:6, “Bethlehem in the land of Judah.” In Ps. 132:6 it is mentioned as the place where David spent his youth, and where he heard much of the ark, although he never saw it till he found it long afterwards at Kirjath-jearim; i.e., the “city of the wood,” or the “forest-town” (1 Sam. 7:1; comp. 2 Sam. 6:3, 4).