Ephratah

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).

EPH'RATAH (fruitful), Caleb's wife, 1 Chr 2:50; 1 Chr 4:4; called Ephrath in 1 Chr 2:19.

EPH'RATAH, and EPH'RATH (fruitful), the original name of Bethlehem. Ruth 4:11; Ps 132:6; Gen 35:16, Gen 35:19; Gen 48:7. See Bethlehem.

Ephrath, abundance; bearing fruit

EPH'RATAH, and EPH'RATH (fruitful), the original name of Bethlehem. Ruth 4:11; Ps 132:6; Gen 35:16, Gen 35:19; Gen 48:7. See Bethlehem.