Ἐλιούδ

Eliud

Definition

Ἐλιούδ is a proper masculine noun referring to a specific individual in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, it exclusively identifies Eliud, the son of Achim and the father of Eleazar (Matthew 1:14-15). This name appears only within the linear list of ancestors presented in the Gospel of Matthew, connecting the post-exilic period to the birth of Jesus. There are no other biblical senses or variant meanings for this term; its sole function is to denote this particular link in the messianic lineage.

Biblical Usage

This word is used precisely twice in the New Testament, both occurrences found in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:14, 1:15). Its usage is strictly onomastic, serving only to name an individual within the structured genealogy from Abraham to Joseph, the husband of Mary. There are no narrative contexts or patterns beyond this list; it functions solely as a connective name in a historical sequence.

Etymology

The name Ἐλιούδ is a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew name, most likely עֱלִיהוּד (Elihud), meaning 'God is majesty' or 'my God is glorious.' It is derived from the Hebrew elements 'El' (God) and 'hod' (majesty, splendor). This follows the common pattern of Hebrew theophoric names, where a divine title is combined with a term of praise. The Greek form represents a direct phonetic adaptation for the Gospel audience.

Semantic Range

While the name Ἐλιούδ itself is not theologically loaded, its inclusion in Matthew's genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17) is significant. It represents one of the often-overlooked, 'silent' generations that faithfully connect God's promise to Abraham with its fulfillment in Christ. Understanding that this name means 'God is majestic' subtly reinforces the theme of God's sovereign faithfulness across generations, even through ordinary individuals. It enriches reading by reminding us that every name in Christ's lineage, however briefly mentioned, is part of God's glorious plan of salvation.

In the 1st-century Jewish and Greco-Roman context, genealogies were vital for establishing identity, heritage, and legal rights. For Matthew's Jewish audience, listing names like Eliud validated Jesus's legitimate descent from Abraham and David, a crucial claim for the Messiah. The name's Hebrew origin ('God is majesty') would have been recognizable, embedding a confession of God's character within a simple list. This differs from a modern understanding where such names in a list might be skimmed over; to the original readers, each name carried weight as a testament to lineage and covenant continuity.

There are no direct synonyms, as this is a unique proper name. However, it is part of a set of theophoric names in the genealogy: Ἐλιέζερ (Eliezer, G1663) — meaning 'God is help'; Ἐλισάβετ (Elisabet, G1665) — meaning 'God is my oath'.

Word Details

Scripture References