### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ἀβιούδ (Abioúd), Strong's number `{{G10}}`, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name אֲבִיהוּד (Abihud), Strong's number `{{H29}}`. The Hebrew name is a compound of two elements: אָב (ʾav), meaning "father" (Strong's `{{H1}}`), and הוֹד (hod), meaning "majesty," "splendor," or "glory" (Strong's `{{H1935}}`). Therefore, the name Abioúd carries the meaning "my father is majesty" or "father of majesty/glory." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying a specific individual within a genealogical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Ἀβιούδ (Abioúd) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew's genealogy of Jesus Christ:
* [[Matthew 1:13]]: "Eliud begat Eleazar, and Eleazar begat Matthan, and Matthan begat Jacob, and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." (Note: The KJV and some other translations render the name "Abiud" in this verse, whereas the Greek text explicitly lists Ἀβιούδ as the one who begat Eliakim, not Eliud. The correct sequence according to the Greek text of [[Matthew 1:13]] is "Ἀβιοὺδ δὲ ἐγέννησεν Ἐλιακίμ, Ἐλιακὶμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν Ἀζώρ.")
In this singular occurrence, Abioúd is presented as an ancestor in the lineage leading from Abraham to Jesus. His position within this genealogy is crucial, as it contributes to establishing Jesus' legal and historical claim to the Davidic throne and His identity as the promised Messiah. The brevity of his mention, like many others in the list, indicates that his primary significance lies not in his personal deeds, but in his indispensable role as a link in the divinely preserved Messianic line.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is its Hebrew original, אֲבִיהוּד (Abihud) `{{H29}}`. Understanding the components of this Hebrew name—אָב (ʾav) `{{H1}}` and הוֹד (hod) `{{H1935}}`—provides deeper insight into its meaning, linking it to concepts of fatherhood, divine authority, and the splendor associated with kingship and divine presence.
Beyond the etymological connection, Abioúd is conceptually linked to:
* **Biblical Genealogies:** The broader literary and theological purpose of genealogies in the Bible, which serve to establish identity, legitimacy, inheritance rights, and the fulfillment of divine promises.
* **Messianic Lineage:** The specific concept of the "seed" or "offspring" through whom God's covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham and David, would be fulfilled in the person of the Messiah.
* **Continuity of God's Plan:** The overarching theme of God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage over centuries, despite various historical challenges, to bring forth the Christ.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Abioúd in Matthew's genealogy, though brief, carries significant theological weight.
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Sovereignty:** Abioúd's presence underscores God's meticulous and unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. His name, "my father is majesty," subtly points to the divine majesty inherent in the lineage that would ultimately produce the King of Glory, Jesus Christ. God sovereignly orchestrates human history, preserving the Messianic line through generations, even through periods of obscurity or exile (as implied by the post-exilic context of this part of the genealogy).
2. **Legitimacy of the Messiah:** The genealogy, including figures like Abioúd, serves to establish Jesus' rightful claim to the throne of David. By tracing His lineage through these historical figures, Matthew affirms Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies regarding His descent.
3. **Humanity of Christ:** The very existence of such a detailed human lineage, featuring ordinary individuals like Abioúd, emphasizes the genuine humanity of Jesus. He was truly born into human history, part of a real family tree, making Him fully relatable and capable of representing humanity in His redemptive work.
4. **Continuity of Salvation History:** Abioúd represents a link in the unbroken chain of God's redemptive plan, connecting the Old Testament narrative of Israel with the New Testament inauguration of the Kingdom through Christ. He is a testament to the fact that God's purposes unfold across generations, culminating in the person of Jesus.
### Summary
Ἀβιούδ (Abioúd) `{{G10}}` is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Abihud `{{H29}}`, meaning "my father is majesty." Appearing exclusively in [[Matthew 1:13]] as an ancestor of Jesus Christ, Abioúd's significance lies not in his individual actions but in his crucial role within the divinely preserved Messianic genealogy. His inclusion highlights God's faithfulness in maintaining the lineage promised to Abraham and David, thereby establishing the historical and theological legitimacy of Jesus as the Messiah. The name itself, "my father is majesty," subtly foreshadows the divine glory and kingship of the Christ, affirming God's sovereign hand in bringing forth His Son into human history.
TRV