יִלּוֹד

born

Definition

The Hebrew noun יִלּוֹד (yillôwd) refers to someone who is 'born' or a 'childbirth.' It is a passive participle derived from the verb 'to bear' or 'to bring forth,' emphasizing the state of having been brought into the world. In its biblical occurrences, it consistently denotes a male child, specifically a newborn or recently born son. For example, in Exodus 1:22, Pharaoh commands that every Hebrew 'newborn son' (יִלּוֹד) be thrown into the Nile, highlighting the word's use for male infants. Similarly, in 2 Samuel 12:14, it refers to the child born to David and Bathsheba, underscoring its application to a specific, individual male offspring.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in narrative contexts to specify male children, particularly in situations of threat, covenant significance, or divine judgment. It appears four times: in Exodus 1:22 (Pharaoh's decree against Hebrew boys), Joshua 5:5 (referring to the generation born in the wilderness who were circumcised), and twice in 2 Samuel (5:14, listing sons born to David in Jerusalem, and 12:14, concerning the child of David and Bathsheba). The usage pattern ties it to themes of lineage, covenant identity, and moments of crisis or royal succession.

Etymology

יִלּוֹד is a passive participle form (qal passive participle) of the root יָלַד (yalad, H3205), meaning 'to bear,' 'to bring forth,' or 'to beget.' The passive form shifts the focus from the act of birthing to the state of being born. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, such as Arabic (walada, 'to bear a child'), indicating a shared linguistic heritage around childbirth. The derivation emphasizes the result of the birthing process—the child itself.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects to themes of covenant, lineage, and God's sovereign purposes in birth and life. In Exodus 1:22, it highlights the oppression of God's people and sets the stage for Moses' salvation. In Joshua 5:5, it marks the generation that enters the Promised Land, underscoring covenant renewal through circumcision. In 2 Samuel, it relates to Davidic lineage and divine judgment (2 Samuel 12:14), pointing to the consequences of sin and God's mercy. Understanding יִלּוֹד enriches reading by emphasizing how individual births are woven into God's redemptive history.

In ancient Israelite culture, childbirth was central to family identity, inheritance, and covenant promises. A יִלּוֹד (male child) ensured lineage continuation and was highly valued, making threats like Pharaoh's decree in Exodus 1:22 particularly devastating. The term's exclusive reference to males reflects the patriarchal societal structure, where sons carried on the family name and religious obligations. This contrasts with modern, more inclusive understandings of 'childbirth,' but in its context, it underscores the cultural and religious importance of male offspring for community survival and covenant faithfulness.

בֵּן (ben, H1121) — a general term for 'son' or 'child,' often used for offspring of any age, whereas יִלּוֹד specifies a newborn or recently born male. יֶלֶד (yeled, H3206) — means 'child' or 'boy,' but can refer to a young boy beyond infancy, while יִלּוֹד focuses on the birth event itself. נַעַר (na'ar, H5288) — denotes a 'youth' or 'young man,' typically older than a יִלּוֹד, emphasizing adolescence or service.

Word Details

Scripture References