מוֹלִיד

Molid, an Israelite

Definition

Molid is a proper noun referring to an individual in the genealogy of Judah, specifically as recorded in 1 Chronicles 2:29. The name means 'begetter' or 'genitor,' deriving from the Hebrew root for bearing children. As a personal name, it functions solely to identify this specific Israelite ancestor within the tribal lineage. There are no other major senses or biblical passages where the meaning differs, as it appears only this once as a proper name.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 2:29, within a genealogical list. It identifies Molid as the son of Abishur and Abihail, and the brother of Ahban. Its usage is purely onomastic (name-related) and genealogical, serving to document the lineage of the tribe of Judah. No patterns of usage exist beyond this single, specific reference.

Etymology

The name Molid (מוֹלִיד) is a masculine proper noun derived from the active participle form of the root verb יָלַד (yalad, H3205), meaning 'to bear,' 'to beget,' or 'to bring forth.' It literally means 'one who begets' or 'genitor.' It is a cognate with other Hebrew words related to birth and lineage, such as יֶלֶד (yeled, H3206) meaning 'child.'

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried significant meaning, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or character traits. A name like Molid ('begetter') likely expressed a positive affirmation of lineage and fertility, which were highly valued in the patriarchal society. It underscores the importance of genealogy in establishing identity, inheritance rights, and covenant continuity within the tribe of Judah.

יָלַד (yalad, H3205) — the root verb meaning 'to bear' or 'beget,' from which the name is derived. הוֹלִיד (holiyd, H3205) — another participle form of the same root, meaning 'begetting' or 'fathering.'

Word Details

Scripture References