Bethlehem etymology

Etymology:

The name "Bethlehem" is derived from two Hebrew words:

  • Beit (בֵּית) = "house"
  • Lehem (לֶחֶם) = "bread"

Meaning:

Bethlehem literally means "House of Bread" or "Bread House."

Origin:

The name Bethlehem was first mentioned in the Bible in the following contexts:

  • Genesis 35:19: Rachel's grave is located near Ephraim (present-day Taybeh), which is about 16 miles (25 kilometers) north of Jerusalem. Rachel died while giving birth to Benjamin, and the name given to the place was "Bethlehem" (Gen. 35:19).
  • Genesis 48:7: When Jacob (Israel) was on his deathbed, he recalled the tragedy that occurred to Rachel in Bethlehem (Gen. 48:7).
  • Ruth 1:1-22: Naomi, Ruth, and Mahlon came from Bethlehem Judah (the area around Jerusalem).
  • 1 Samuel 16:1: Bethlehem is the birthplace of David, the future king of Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 11:6: Rehoboam fortified Bethlehem as one of his strongholds in Judah.

Historical Significance:

Bethlehem has a rich biblical and historical significance.

  • It is considered the birthplace of Jesus Christ, according to the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:4-7).
  • It was a major city in the Kingdom of Judah during the time of David and Solomon.
  • It became an important pilgrimage site for Christians after the birth of Jesus.
  • In 326 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great built the Church of the Nativity on the site believed to be the location of Jesus' birth.

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