CategoryPlace / Messianic Location
Modern EquivalentBethlehem; birthplace of David and Jesus.
KJV Word TypePlace name / messianic location
DefinitionA town in Judah, known as the birthplace of Jesus Christ and King David.
Key Verses"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2); "And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem." (Luke 2:4)
KJV Usage NoteOften carries messianic significance because it is associated with David’s lineage and the birthplace of Christ.
Common MisunderstandingBethlehem is not only a Christmas setting; it connects Jesus to David’s lineage and messianic prophecy.
EtymologyFrom Hebrew Beth Lehem ("House of Bread").