אַרְדְּ

Ard, the name of two Israelites

Definition

Ard is a proper name given to two individuals in the Old Testament, both appearing in genealogical lists. The first Ard is listed as a son of Benjamin in Genesis 46:21, making him one of the patriarch's grandsons who went to Egypt. The second Ard is noted as a son of Bela and grandson of Benjamin in Numbers 26:40, appearing in the census of the Israelites in Moab. The name is used exclusively for these male descendants within the tribe of Benjamin, with no narrative attached to their lives.

Biblical Usage

The name Ard is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in genealogical contexts. It appears first in the list of Jacob's family who descended into Egypt (Genesis 46:21) and later in the census of the second generation after the Exodus (Numbers 26:40). Its usage is strictly as a personal identifier within the tribe of Benjamin, with no recorded actions or stories associated with the individuals.

Etymology

The name Ard (אַרְדְּ) is derived from an unused Hebrew root, likely meaning 'to wander' or 'fugitive.' This etymological suggestion points to a potential characteristic or circumstance associated with the name's original bearer. It is a proper noun with no direct verbal forms in biblical Hebrew.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaning related to circumstances of birth, character, or parental hopes. The suggested meaning of 'wanderer' or 'fugitive' for Ard may reflect a family story or trait now lost to history. As a name listed in tribal genealogies, it signifies Ard's place in the lineage and inheritance rights of the tribe of Benjamin, which was a crucial aspect of Israelite identity and land distribution.

Bela (Bela, H1106) — Another son/grandson of Benjamin listed in the same genealogies. Naaman (Naaman, H5283) — A brother of Ard listed in Genesis 46:21. Ehi (Ehi, H278) — A brother of Ard, also a son of Benjamin in Genesis 46:21.

Word Details

Scripture References