Definition

Proper noun: - Bethlehem: A small town located near Jerusalem on the West Bank of the Jordan River. It is historically significant as the early home of King David and is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth.

Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The pilgrims traveled to Bayt Lahm to celebrate Christmas.
  • The historical significance of Bayt Lahm is profound for multiple faiths.

Advanced Usage

• "The City of David": A biblical epithet for Bethlehem, referencing its association with King David.
  • The prophet foretold the Messiah would come from the City of David, Bayt Lahm.
• "The birthplace of Christ": A common religious reference to Bethlehem's significance in Christianity.
  • For Christians worldwide, Bayt Lahm is revered as the birthplace of Christ.

Variants and Related Words

• Bethlehem (n): The standard English transliteration of the town's name.
  • The Church of the Nativity is a major site in Bethlehem.
• Ephrath or Ephrathah (n): An ancient biblical name for the region around Bethlehem.
  • Rachel was buried on the way to Ephrath, that is, Bayt Lahm.

Synonyms

• The Christmas Town: A modern, informal reference highlighting its connection to the Christmas story.
• The House of Bread: A common interpretation of the name's meaning from Hebrew ("Bet Lechem").

Related Phrases

• Star of Bethlehem: Refers to the celestial phenomenon described in the Gospel of Matthew associated with Jesus's birth.
  • The Star of Bethlehem is said to have guided the Magi to Bayt Lahm.
• Bethlehem of Judea: A fuller historical designation to distinguish it from other towns of the same name.
  • The Gospel specifies Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea.

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