### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bêyth hal-Lachmîy**, represented by `{{H1022}}`, is a patrial term for a native of Bethlehem, meaning **Bethlehemite**. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. Its specific function is to identify a person by their place of origin, connecting them to the town of Bethlechem.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1022}}` is used exclusively to establish the geographic roots of key figures in the books of Samuel. When the LORD sends Samuel to anoint a new king, He directs him to "Jesse the **Bethlehemite**" [[1 Samuel 16:1]]. The term is used again to describe David to King Saul as the "son of Jesse the **Bethlehemite**" [[1 Samuel 16:18]]. David himself uses this identifier, telling Saul, "I am the son of thy servant Jesse the **Bethlehemite**" [[1 Samuel 17:58]]. The term also identifies another warrior, Elhanan, as "a **Bethlehemite**" in his battle against the Philistines [[2 Samuel 21:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the identity of those called a `{{H1022}}` **Bethlehemite**:
* `{{H3448}}` **Yishay** (Jesse): This is the proper name for David's father, who is explicitly and repeatedly identified as "the Bethlehemite" ([[1 Samuel 16:1]], [[1 Samuel 17:58]]). He is the patriarch from whose house the future king of Israel would come.
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word is central to the usage of `{{H1022}}`, as the term is often used to identify a "son" from Bethlehem. David is the "son of Jesse the Bethlehemite" [[1 Samuel 16:18]], and Elhanan is the "son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite" [[2 Samuel 21:19]].
* `{{H5650}}` **ʻebed** (servant): This term highlights the social standing and humility in David's self-identification before King Saul. He refers to his father with this term, stating he is the son of "thy **servant** Jesse the Bethlehemite" [[1 Samuel 17:58]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1022}}` is tied directly to the establishment of the Davidic line.
* **Royal Provenance:** The term first appears at the pivotal moment God rejects Saul and chooses a new king from the sons of "Jesse the **Bethlehemite**" [[1 Samuel 16:1]]. This forever links the origin of Israel's most famous royal dynasty to the town of Bethlehem.
* **Heroic Identity:** Being a **Bethlehemite** becomes a marker of consequence. It identifies David, the future king who is also described as a mighty valiant man [[1 Samuel 16:18]], and Elhanan, another hero who "slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite" [[2 Samuel 21:19]].
* **David's Formal Title:** The patrial serves as a formal identifier for David. When a servant recommends him to Saul, and when David introduces himself, the designation "son of Jesse the **Bethlehemite**" is used, cementing his identity with his family and hometown ([[1 Samuel 16:18]], [[1 Samuel 17:58]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1022}}` is a highly specific term that, while used sparingly, carries great weight. It functions as a geographical anchor, pinpointing the origins of King David's family. More than a simple reference to a hometown, being a **Bethlehemite** in the biblical narrative marks one as belonging to the lineage chosen by God for royalty and associated with the might of Israel's heroes.
TRV