Biblical city
Bethlehem
Bethlehem, West Bank · Judea
A small town six miles south of Jerusalem, Bethlehem was the home of Ruth and Boaz and the birthplace of David and of Jesus (Micah 5:2; Luke 2:4-7). The Church of the Nativity, built over the traditional birth site, is among the oldest continuously used churches in the world.
History in Scripture
A small Judean town known as Ephrathah, remembered as the burial place of Rachel, the setting of Ruth and Boaz, and the home of Jesse and David. Micah 5:2 named it as the birthplace of the coming ruler, and Matthew and Luke record the birth of Jesus there. Constantine's mother Helena built the Church of the Nativity over the traditional cave in the fourth century.
The ancient city
Bethlehem lay about six miles south of Jerusalem on the ridge road, surrounded by grain fields and grazing land — hence shepherds in the fields and a name meaning "house of bread". It was too small to be listed among Judah's fortified towns, which is exactly the point Micah makes.
The site today
Modern Bethlehem is a Palestinian city with a historic Christian community. The Church of the Nativity, among the oldest churches in continuous use anywhere, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a major pilgrimage destination.
Key passages
Sources & notes
Description summarizes standard historical and archaeological reference works. Imagery is added separately and is labeled by type.