Ephrathah

Ephrathah is the older, longer form of Ephrath — the ancient name for Bethlehem preserved in patriarchal and Davidic memory. The elders of the town blessed Boaz, "May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem" (Ruth 4:11), tying his marriage to Ruth into the wider Ephrathite clan of Judah. Centuries later Micah preserved the ancient form in his messianic prophecy: "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel" (Micah 5:2) — which Matthew cites as fulfilled in the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2:6).