Ephrath

A town in the territory of Judah where Jacob buried Rachel, his wife; also known as Ephrathah and Bethlehem.

About Ephrath

1. Town in the Judean hill country later named Bethlehem. It was on the road to Ephrath that Rachel died while giving birth to Benjamin (Gn 35:16–19). This town was the home of Naomi’s family, who identified themselves as Ephrathites (Ru 1:2). Ephrath was the dwelling place of Ruth and Boaz (Ru 4:11), the childhood home of David (1 Sm 17:12), and the announced birthplace of the Messiah (Mi 5:2).

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Key References

Genesis 35:16

Later, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult.

Genesis 48:7

Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).

Genesis 35:19

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).

All Scripture References (3)

Genesis (3)
Genesis 35:16

Later, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult.

Genesis 35:19

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).

Genesis 48:7

Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).