The word Ephrath (or Ephrathah) means 'fruitfulness' or 'ashiness,' from a root related to dust or fruitful land. It is the ancient name of Bethlehem, the city where Rachel died in childbirth and was buried, and where the Messiah was prophesied to be born.
Ephrath is one of the most theologically loaded place names in Scripture. It is the site where Rachel — the beloved wife of Jacob — died giving birth to Benjamin (Genesis 35:19). Centuries later, the prophet Micah declared that from Bethlehem Ephrathah would come the ruler of Israel whose origins are from eternity (Micah 5:2). The town of tears became the town of the Savior's birth, transforming sorrow into glory.