Lexical Summary Beth Hallachmi: Beth Hallachmi Original Word: בֵּית הלּחְמִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Bethlehemite Patrial from Beyth Lechem with the article inserted; a Beth-lechemite, or native of Bethlechem -- Bethlehemite. see HEBREW Beyth Lechem NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Beth Definition an inhab. of Bethlehem NASB Translation Bethlehemite (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs בֵּית הַלַּחְמִי adjective, of a people the Bethlehemite 1 Samuel 16:18; 1 Samuel 17:51; 2 Samuel 21:19, so read probably also in "" 1 Chronicles 20:5 for ᵑ0 את לחמי compare Be Th EwH iii. 70 WeH 266 Kue DrSm; ׳הַֿלּ׳בּ 1 Samuel 16:1. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope The title “Bethlehemite” designates a person whose family home is Bethlehem in Judah, the town later famed as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. In the four passages where the term appears, it functions as an identifier that links individuals to David’s hometown and, by extension, to the royal and messianic promises associated with that place. Occurrences in Scripture 1 Samuel 16:1 – The LORD sends Samuel “to Jesse the Bethlehemite,” introducing the household from which Israel’s next king will arise. 1 Samuel 16:18 – One of Saul’s servants recommends “a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite” (David) as a skilled musician and proven warrior. 1 Samuel 17:58 – After the defeat of Goliath, Saul asks, “Whose son are you, young man?” David replies, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.” 2 Samuel 21:19 – During later conflicts with the Philistines, “Elhanan son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite struck down Goliath the Gittite,” a record clarified in 1 Chronicles 20:5 as the slaying of Goliath’s brother. Association with Jesse and David The first three occurrences cluster around the anointing and early exploits of David. By repeatedly naming Jesse’s family as Bethlehemites, the narrative highlights: Association with Elhanan and the Giants War The final occurrence (2 Samuel 21:19) links another Bethlehemite, Elhanan, to the downfall of the Philistine champion’s kin. The parallel passage in 1 Chronicles 20:5 explains that Elhanan killed “Lahmi the brother of Goliath,” not Goliath himself. This harmonization preserves the integrity of Scripture, showing that the chronicler clarifies an earlier shorthand reference. The term “Bethlehemite” in both books identifies Elhanan with David’s hometown, underscoring Bethlehem’s ongoing contribution to Israel’s military deliverance. Theological and Messianic Implications Bethlehem’s association with Davidite promise culminates in its prophetic role regarding Messiah: Thus every Old Testament mention of a “Bethlehemite” quietly anticipates the ultimate Son of David who would bring salvation. Practical Ministry Applications 1. God’s redemptive plans often emerge from seemingly insignificant places and people; leaders should value faithfulness over fame. Summary “Bethlehemite” is more than a geographic label. In the Old Testament it marks key figures—Jesse, David, and Elhanan—whose lives advance God’s covenant purposes. Each usage threads Bethlehem into the tapestry of redemptive history, preparing readers for the birth of the true King who would forever sit on David’s throne. Forms and Transliterations הַלַּחְמִ֔י הַלַּחְמִ֗י הַלַּחְמִֽי׃ הַלַּחְמִי֒ הלחמי הלחמי׃ hal·laḥ·mî hallachMi hallaḥmîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 16:1 HEB: יִשַׁ֣י בֵּֽית־ הַלַּחְמִ֔י כִּֽי־ רָאִ֧יתִי NAS: you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have selected KJV: thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided INT: over to Jesse the Bethlehemite for have selected 1 Samuel 16:18 1 Samuel 17:58 2 Samuel 21:19 4 Occurrences |
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