Ephrata is a term of significant historical and theological importance within the biblical narrative, often associated with the region of Bethlehem. The name "Ephrata" or "Ephrath" is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "fruitful," which is fitting given its association with Bethlehem, a place of great biblical events and figures.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 35:16-19 : Ephrata is first mentioned in the context of the patriarch Jacob. As Jacob and his family journeyed from Bethel, Rachel went into labor and gave birth to Benjamin. Tragically, Rachel 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 term is also used in the book of Ruth, where the elders and people bless Boaz, saying, "May you be renowned in Ephrathah and famous in Bethlehem." This blessing underscores the significance of Ephrata as a place of legacy and renown, particularly in the lineage of King David.

3. 1 Chronicles 2:50-51 : Ephrata is mentioned in the genealogies of the tribes of Israel, specifically in the lineage of Caleb. The text notes, "These were the descendants of Caleb. The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim."

4. Micah 5:2 : The prophet Micah prophesies 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 to be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." This prophecy is pivotal in Christian theology, as it foretells the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, linking Ephrata to the fulfillment of messianic prophecy.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Ephrata, synonymous with Bethlehem, holds a central place in biblical history and prophecy. It is the birthplace of King David, Israel's revered king, and the prophesied birthplace of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The dual mention of Ephrata and Bethlehem in various scriptures highlights the region's importance as a site of divine promise and fulfillment.

Theologically, Ephrata represents God's providence and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through history. The association of Ephrata with both the Davidic line and the birth of Christ underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Cultural Context:

In ancient Israel, Ephrata was a fertile region, contributing to its name meaning "fruitful." Its location near Jerusalem made it a significant site for trade and travel, further enhancing its prominence in biblical narratives. The cultural and historical context of Ephrata as a place of fertility and blessing is reflected in its biblical mentions, where it is often associated with life, legacy, and divine intervention.

In summary, Ephrata is a term rich with historical, theological, and prophetic significance, deeply embedded in the biblical narrative as a symbol of God's enduring promises and the fulfillment of His divine plan through the lineage of David and the birth of Jesus Christ.

Praise be to Him who Sent Him!
... 6. Blessed art thou, O Church, in Micah who cried out,""A Shepherd shall come forth
from Ephrata":"for He came to Bethlehem to take"from thence the rod ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xviii praise be to.htm

Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ...
... For there came from Ephrata a Shepherd, and His staff swayed over souls. Lo! ... Risen
is the Light of the kingdom, in Ephrata the city of the King. ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymns on the nativity hymn.htm

Psalm CXXXII.
... 5. "Lo, we heard of the same at Ephrata" (ver.6). What? A place for the Lord.
"We heard of it at Ephrata: and found it in the plains ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxii.htm

Germantown, Pennsylvania.
... The Germans in the cloister Ephrata, Pa., established by the Tunker, or Dunkards,
also owned a printing-press, a paper-mill, and a bookbindery. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/germantown pennsylvania.htm

Letter xiv (Circa AD 1129) to Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln
... His feet stand already in the Courts of Jerusalem, and Him whom he had heard of
in Ephrata he has found in the broad woods, and willingly worships in the place ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xiv circa a d 1129.htm

That Christ Should be Born in Bethlehem.
... In Micah: "And thou, Bethlehem, house of Ephrata, art not little, that
thou shouldst be appointed among the thousands of Judah. ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/12 that christ should be.htm

Tunkers.
... They soon settled a little colony, called Ephrata, in allusion to the Hebrews,
who used to sing psalms on the border of the River Euphrates. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/tunkers.htm

Concerning the violation of Dina's Chastity.
... 3. And when he was gone thence, and was come over against Ephrata, he there buried
Rachel, who died in child-bed: she was the only one of Jacob's kindred that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 21 concerning the violation.htm

Now the Scripture Speaks, Respecting the Place of the Saviour's ...
... the place of the Saviour's birth"that the Ruler was to come forth from
Bethlehem"in the following manner: "And thou Bethlehem, house of Ephrata, art not ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter li now the scripture.htm

Whether Christ Should have Been Born in Bethlehem?
... On the contrary, It is written (Mic.5:2): "And thou, Bethlehem, Ephrata . . . out
of thee shall He come forth unto Me, that is to be the ruler in Israel.". ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ should have been 2.htm

Ephrata (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ephrata (1 Occurrence). Genesis 48:7 And I --
in my coming in from Padan-'Aram' Rachel hath died by me ...
/e/ephrata.htm - 6k

Kibrath (3 Occurrences)
... 48:7 And I -- in my coming in from Padan-'Aram' Rachel hath died by me in the land
of Canaan, in the way, while yet a kibrath of land to enter Ephrata, and I ...
/k/kibrath.htm - 7k

Padan-'aram (1 Occurrence)
... 48:7 And I -- in my coming in from Padan-'Aram' Rachel hath died by me in the land
of Canaan, in the way, while yet a kibrath of land to enter Ephrata, and I ...
/p/padan-'aram.htm - 6k

Bury (78 Occurrences)
... 48:7 And I -- in my coming in from Padan-'Aram' Rachel hath died by me in the land
of Canaan, in the way, while yet a kibrath of land to enter Ephrata, and I ...
/b/bury.htm - 32k

Ephratah (5 Occurrences)

/e/ephratah.htm - 9k

Ephramite (1 Occurrence)

/e/ephramite.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus