### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Bēthleém**, represented by `{{G965}}`, is defined as a **place in Palestine**. Of Hebrew origin, its name identifies the town of Bethlehem. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible, establishing it as a location of immense importance in the nativity accounts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G965}}` is consistently identified as the birthplace of Jesus [[Matthew 2:1]]. It is described as a **town** `{{G2968}}` in **Judaea** `{{G2449}}` and is also called the **city** `{{G4172}}` of **David** `{{G1138}}` ([[Luke 2:4]], [[John 7:42]]). The location's significance is rooted in prophecy, as it was written by a **prophet** `{{G4396}}` that a **Governor** `{{G2233}}` would come from **Bethlehem** to **rule** `{{G4165}}` God's **people** `{{G2992}}` **Israel** `{{G2474}}` [[Matthew 2:5-6]]. Following Jesus' birth, King **Herod** `{{G2264}}` sent wise men to **Bethlehem** to find the child and later ordered all children in the town to be slain ([[Matthew 2:8]], [[Matthew 2:16]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide geographic and historical context to **Bethlehem**:
* `{{G1138}}` **Dabíd** (the Israelite king): **Bethlehem** is called "the city of **David**" [[Luke 2:4]]. Scripture explicitly connects the coming of the **Christ** `{{G5547}}` to the seed of **David** and the town of **Bethlehem** [[John 7:42]].
* `{{G2449}}` **Ioudaía** (the Judæan land): This specifies the region where **Bethlehem** is located. Jesus was born "in **Bethlehem** of **Judaea**" during the reign of King **Herod** `{{G2264}}` [[Matthew 2:1]].
* `{{G4172}}` **pólis** (city): This term is used to elevate **Bethlehem**'s status as "the **city** of **David**" [[Luke 2:4]], the destination for **Joseph** `{{G2501}}` and Mary due to their lineage.
* `{{G2264}}` **Hērṓdēs** (Herod, the name of four Jewish kings): The birth of Jesus in **Bethlehem** is set within "the days of **Herod** the king" [[Matthew 2:1]]. His actions, including sending men to **Bethlehem** and the subsequent massacre, are central to the nativity story [[Matthew 2:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G965}}` is tied to its role in divine fulfillment.
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** **Bethlehem** is the location where prophecy becomes reality. The assertion that scripture **said** `{{G2036}}` the **Christ** `{{G5547}}` would come from this specific town confirms Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah [[John 7:42]]. A **prophet** `{{G4396}}` foretold that a ruler for **Israel** `{{G2474}}` would emerge from it [[Matthew 2:6]].
* **Royal Lineage:** The town's identity as the "city of **David**" [[Luke 2:4]] is crucial. It geographically anchors Jesus to the lineage of **David** `{{G1138}}`, a prerequisite for the Messiah. **Joseph**'s journey there establishes this connection [[Luke 2:4]].
* **The Incarnation's Location:** It is the designated place for the Son of God's birth. The journey of the shepherds to **Bethlehem** to "see this thing which is come to pass" marks it as the site where the divine was revealed to mankind [[Luke 2:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G965}}` **Bēthleém** is far more than a simple geographical marker. It is a cornerstone of Messianic prophecy and the nativity story. It serves as the prophesied birthplace of the **Christ** `{{G5547}}`, the ancestral home of King **David** `{{G1138}}`, and the physical location where God's plan for a **Governor** `{{G2233}}` to **rule** `{{G4165}}` His **people** `{{G2992}}` was set in motion. The narrative significance of this small town is immense, underscoring its pivotal role in redemptive history.
TRV