### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Bêyth Lechem**, represented by `{{H1035}}`, is defined as **house of bread**. It appears **41 times** across **39 unique verses**, establishing its significance as a key location in the biblical narrative. Commonly known as **Bethlehem**, it is a place in Palestine that is deeply connected to the history of Israel's patriarchs and kings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1035}}` is used in several key contexts. It is first mentioned as the place near where **Rachel** was buried [[Genesis 35:19]]. The town is the primary setting for the book of Ruth, where Naomi returns to **Bethlehem** in a time of harvest [[Ruth 1:22]] and where her kinsman **Boaz** lives [[Ruth 2:4]]. Most notably, **Bethlehem** is the hometown of David, son of Jesse the Ephrathite [[1 Samuel 17:12]]. During a conflict, David expressed a deep longing for water from the well at the gate of **Bethlehem**, which was then occupied by a Philistine garrison [[2 Samuel 23:14-15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the identity and location of Bethlehem:
* `{{H672}}` **ʼEphrâth** (fruitfulness): This is an alternate name for Bethlehem, often used to specify the location, as seen in the prophecy, "But thou, **Bethlehem** Ephratah" [[Micah 5:2]]. Rachel was buried on the way to **Ephrath**, which is identified as Bethlehem [[Genesis 35:19]].
* `{{H3063}}` **Yᵉhûwdâh** (Judah): This word specifies Bethlehem's tribal territory. The compound name "**Bethlehemjudah**" is used frequently to clarify its location within the land of Judah ([[Ruth 1:1]], [[Judges 17:7]]).
* `{{H673}}` **ʼEphrâthîy** (an Ephrathite): This term describes an inhabitant of the region. It is used to identify key figures connected to Bethlehem, including Elimelech's family [[Ruth 1:2]] and David's father, Jesse [[1 Samuel 17:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1035}}` is immense, primarily as a place of ancestral and prophetic importance.
* **Seat of Royal Lineage:** Bethlehem is foundational to the Davidic line. It is the city of **Boaz** and **Ruth** [[Ruth 4:11]] and the home of **Jesse** and David [[1 Samuel 17:12]]. Genealogies even refer to its founders as the "**father of Bethlehem**" ([[1 Chronicles 2:51]], [[1 Chronicles 4:4]]).
* **Prophetic Destiny:** The town's greatest significance comes from the prophecy that a **ruler** for Israel would **come forth** from it. This ruler's "goings forth" are described as being "from of old, from **everlasting**" [[Micah 5:2]].
* **Humble Origins:** The same prophecy highlights that Bethlehem is "**little** among the thousands of Judah" [[Micah 5:2]], establishing a theme where God brings forth greatness from a place of humility.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1035}}` is far more than a geographical marker. Its name, "house of bread," and its association with fruitfulness (**Ephrathah**) foreshadow its providential role. As the ancestral home of King David and the site of a pivotal prophecy, **Bethlehem** stands as a cornerstone in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant with Israel, designated as the origin point for a future **ruler** whose origins are from everlasting [[Micah 5:2]].
TRV