Bethlehem — Meaning in the Bible
A town in Judah near Jerusalem: home of Ruth and Boaz, birthplace of David, and the birthplace of Jesus.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
Naomi and Ruth came back to Bethlehem, where Ruth met Boaz. David was "the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem Judah". Ruth 1:19Ruth 2:41 Samuel 17:12
Micah foretold a ruler coming from Bethlehem Ephrathah. Matthew and Luke record that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2Matthew 2:1–6Luke 2:4–7
Key passages
- Ruth 1:19–22 — Naomi returns.
- 1 Samuel 16:1–13 — David anointed in Bethlehem.
- Micah 5:2 — A ruler from Bethlehem.
- Luke 2:1–7 — Jesus born.
- Matthew 2:1–12 — The Magi.
For children
Bethlehem is a small town. King David was born there, and Jesus was born there too. 1 Samuel 17:12Luke 2:4–7
Study further
- Ruth 1–4 A Bethlehem family.
- Luke 2:1–20 Jesus' birth.