Bethlehem

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Definition

Noun: 1. A small town near Jerusalem on the West Bank of the Jordan River: A historic town in the West Bank, Palestine, traditionally known as the early home of King David and revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. 2. A town in eastern Pennsylvania on the Lehigh River: An industrial city in the United States, historically an important center for steel production, located northwest of Philadelphia.

Usage Examples
  • The biblical account states that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
  • Many pilgrims travel to Bethlehem in the West Bank to visit the Church of the Nativity.
  • The steel mills once drove the economy of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
  • Bethlehem is home to several universities and a rich musical heritage.
Advanced Usage
  • "Star of Bethlehem": A phrase often used to refer to the star that, according to the Gospel of Matthew, guided the Magi to the birthplace of Jesus. It is also the common name for a type of flowering plant ().
    • The Star of Bethlehem is a central symbol in the Christmas story.
  • "Bethlehem Steel": Refers specifically to the former American steelmaking company headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which was once a symbol of American industrial might.
    • The decline of Bethlehem Steel had a significant impact on the region's economy.
Variants and Related Words
  • Bethlehemite (noun, historical): A native or inhabitant of Bethlehem. This term is now rare.
  • Ephrathah (noun, biblical): An ancient name for the region around Bethlehem.
Synonyms
  • For the biblical town: City of David (specifically referring to its association with King David), House of Bread (from the Hebrew etymology).
  • For the Pennsylvania city: Steel City (a historical nickname, though this is also used for Pittsburgh).
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • "O little town of Bethlehem": The opening line of a famous Christmas carol, firmly associating the name with the nativity story.
    • The choir sang "O Little Town of Bethlehem" during the Christmas Eve service.
  • "Out of Bethlehem": A phrase sometimes used in religious or literary contexts to signify origin from the humble and significant town.
    • The prophecy spoke of a ruler who would come out of Bethlehem.
Noun
  1. a small town near Jerusalem on the West Bank of the Jordan River; early home of David and regarded as the place where Jesus was born
  2. a town in eastern Pennsylvania on the Lehigh River to the northwest of Philadelphia; an important center for steel production