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    Meaning

    What Is Bethlehem — Meaning Explained

    Bethlehem is the small Judean town where Jesus Christ was born, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would come from David's city.

    Quick Answer

    Bethlehem is the small Judean town where Jesus Christ was born, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would come from David's city.

    "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." — Micah 5:2 (KJV)

    What "What Is Bethlehem?" Actually Means

    Bethlehem, meaning 'house of bread,' lies about six miles south of Jerusalem. It was the hometown of King David and the place where the prophet Micah foretold the Messiah's birth. When Joseph and Mary traveled there for the census decreed by Caesar Augustus, 'she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.' The shepherds heard the angels' announcement there, and the wise men followed the star to worship the newborn King. Bethlehem's significance is eternal: the Bread of Life was born in the house of bread. Though small and humble, this village became the most famous birthplace in history, and its name is sung in every language at Christmas.

    Anchor Verses (KJV)

    Micah 5:2

    "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."

    Matthew 2:1

    "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem."

    Luke 2:7

    "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

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    Bethlehem in the Bible

    Birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ — the city of the promised Messiah.

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