### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼEphrâthîy**, represented by `{{H673}}`, is a patrial term used to identify a person's origin. It appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses** and can refer to either an **Ephrathite** (from Ephrathah, another name for Bethlehem) or an **Ephraimite** (a member of the tribe of Ephraim).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H673}}` establishes the geographical and tribal identity of key figures. It is used to describe the family of Elimelech, who are called "**Ephrathites** of Bethlehemjudah" [[Ruth 1:2]]. Similarly, David’s father Jesse is identified as "that **Ephrathite** of Bethlehemjudah" [[1 Samuel 17:12]]. The term is also applied to individuals from the tribe of Ephraim. Elkanah, the father of the prophet Samuel, is called an "**Ephrathite**" from mount Ephraim [[1 Samuel 1:1]]. In a stark example of tribal conflict, the Gileadites use the question "Art thou an **Ephraimite**?" to identify and slay their enemies [[Judges 12:5]]. Jeroboam, who would become king of the northern kingdom, is also identified as an "**Ephrathite**" [[1 Kings 11:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the dual meaning and context of **ʼEphrâthîy**:
* `{{H1035}}` **Bêyth Lechem** (Bethlehem): This word means "house of bread" and is the location associated with the "Ephrathite" designation. Individuals like Jesse are from "Bethlehemjudah" [[1 Samuel 17:12]], a place explicitly linked to the name Ephratah [[Micah 5:2]].
* `{{H669}}` **ʼEphrayim** (Ephraim): Meaning "double fruit," this refers to the tribe and territory descended from Joseph's son. This is the other primary identity indicated by `{{H673}}`, as seen when identifying Elkanah from mount Ephraim [[1 Samuel 1:1]] or in the tribal test by the Gileadites [[Judges 12:5]].
* `{{H3063}}` **Yᵉhûwdâh** (Judah): Meaning "celebrated," this refers to the tribe and territory where Bethlehem was located. The compound name "Bethlehemjudah" specifies the town's location within the lands of Judah [[Ruth 1:2]].
* `{{H1568}}` **Gilʻâd** (Gilead): This name for a region and its people appears in contrast to Ephraim. The men of **Gilead** used the term "Ephraimite" as a test to identify their foes at the passages of the Jordan [[Judges 12:5]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H673}}` is rooted in the importance of lineage and prophecy.
* **Defining Key Lineages:** The term is used to anchor major biblical figures to their origins. It connects Jesse to Bethlehem [[1 Samuel 17:12]], Elkanah to the hill country of Ephraim [[1 Samuel 1:1]], and Jeroboam to his roots before his kingship [[1 Kings 11:26]].
* **Prophetic Connection to Bethlehem:** By identifying people from Bethlehem as Ephrathites, the term connects to the prophecy that a ruler of Israel would come from "Bethlehem Ephratah" [[Micah 5:2]]. The designation of David's family as Ephrathites from Bethlehem is thus highly significant.
* **Tribal Identity:** The word underscores the critical nature of tribal affiliation in ancient Israel. Being an "Ephraimite" was a distinct identity that could lead to conflict with other tribes, such as the Gileadites [[Judges 12:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H673}}` **ʼEphrâthîy** is more than a simple geographical label. It is a specific identifier that carries significant weight, linking individuals to one of two important origins: the prophetic town of Bethlehem in Judah or the powerful northern tribe of Ephraim. Through its application to the ancestors of David, Samuel, and Jeroboam, this term highlights the foundational role of family and tribal identity in the biblical account.
TRV