The word Ephrathi designates someone from Ephrathah — an ancient name for Bethlehem — or alternatively a member of the tribe of Ephraim. It appears in key narrative moments in Ruth and Samuel, connecting individuals to sacred geography.
Ephrathah's theological weight derives from its identification with Bethlehem, the city of David and the birthplace of the Messiah (Micah 5:2). To be an Ephrathite was to carry the heritage of David's line. Elimelek, Boaz, and Jesse are all identified by this descriptor, weaving the thread of messianic lineage through Israel's story.