Meaning
A person identified with Ephrath or, in certain contexts, with the region or people associated with Ephraim.
Biblical Usage
In Ruth, Elimelech and his family are called Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. Jesse, David’s father, is likewise called an Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah in 1 Samuel.
A related use appears in 1 Kings 11:26, where Jeroboam is called an Ephrathite of Zereda. The context connects Jeroboam with Ephraim rather than Bethlehem, so the term should not automatically be treated as referring to the same geographic identity in every occurrence.
Key References
- Ruth 1:1-2
- 1 Samuel 17:12
- 1 Kings 11:26
Related Terms
- Bethlehem
- Elimelech
- Jesse
- David
- Ephraim