(house of bread). (1) A town of Palestine, six miles S. of Jerusalem. First called Ephrath or Ephratah (Gen. 35:16-19; 48:7). Called Bethlehem-judah after the conquest (Judg. 17:7). Home of Ruth (Ruth 1:19). Birthplace of David (1 Sam. 17:12). Here Christ was born (Matt. 2:1-2; Luke 2:15-18). (2) A town in Zebulun (Josh. 19:15).