### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1664, Ἐλιούδ (Elioúd), is a proper noun derived from Hebrew roots. Its etymology combines אֵל (ʾēl), meaning "God" or "mighty one," and הוֹד (hōd), signifying "majesty," "splendor," or "glory." Thus, the name Eliud carries the profound meaning "God of majesty" or "My God is majesty." As a proper name, its semantic range is limited to the individual it identifies. However, the inherent meaning of the name itself carries significant theological weight, serving as a descriptor of God's character and a quiet declaration within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Eliud (G1664) appears exclusively in the New Testament, specifically within the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded by Matthew. It is cited only once:
* [[Matthew 1:15]]: "and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." (Note: The verse actually lists "Eliud the father of Eleazar," not Eleazar the father of Matthan. The correct citation should be [[Matthew 1:15]] which states: "Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar.")
Eliud is presented as the son of Achim and the father of Eleazar, placing him in the lineage leading from Zerubbabel to Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. In this context, Eliud is a critical link in the genealogical chain, establishing the historical and legal continuity of the messianic line. No specific actions, narratives, or personal details are provided for Eliud himself; his significance is purely in his position within the divinely preserved ancestry of the Messiah. His inclusion underscores the meticulous divine oversight of salvation history, ensuring the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the lineage of the Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymology of Eliud connects it to several important biblical concepts and terms:
* **אֵל (ʾēl) `{{H410}}`**: This is a foundational Hebrew term for God, appearing frequently in compound names (e.g., Emmanuel, Daniel, Elijah, Israel) and as a general designation for the divine. Its presence in Eliud's name highlights the absolute sovereignty and power of the God of Israel.
* **הוֹד (hōd) `{{H1935}}`**: This Hebrew noun denotes majesty, splendor, glory, or honor. It is often used to describe God's inherent glory (e.g., [[Psalm 104:1]]) or the majesty bestowed upon kings (e.g., [[1 Chronicles 29:25]]). In Eliud's name, it points to the inherent, unapproachable glory of God.
* **Genealogy (γενεαλογία `{{G1076}}`)**: The concept of lineage is crucial in biblical theology, particularly in establishing claims to covenantal promises and messianic identity. Matthew's genealogy, including Eliud, serves to demonstrate Jesus' rightful claim as the Son of David and Son of Abraham, fulfilling prophecies (e.g., [[2 Samuel 7:12-16]], [[Genesis 12:3]]).
* **Messianic Line**: Eliud's place within the lineage of Jesus underscores the theme of divine faithfulness in preserving the promised line through generations, often through seemingly obscure individuals, towards the ultimate goal of redemption.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Eliud, though he is a silent figure in the biblical narrative, lies primarily in the meaning of his name and his position within the messianic genealogy. The name "God of Majesty" serves as a quiet but profound theological statement embedded within the historical record.
1. **Divine Sovereignty in History**: Eliud's inclusion in the genealogy, bearing a name that declares God's majesty, subtly reinforces the truth that the God of majesty is not distant but actively orchestrating human history. Even through generations of ordinary people, God's majestic plan for salvation is unfolding with precision.
2. **Affirmation of God's Character**: The name "Eliud" acts as a recurring, albeit understated, affirmation of God's glorious and majestic character. It is a reminder that the God who initiates and sustains the covenant, who guides the lineage, and who ultimately sends His Son, is indeed the God of all majesty and splendor.
3. **Theological Consistency**: The presence of such a name in the lineage leading to the incarnate Christ maintains theological consistency: the birth of the Son of God is not a random event but the culmination of a majestic divine purpose, guided by the majestic God Himself. It subtly points to the divine nature of the one who would be born into this line.
### Summary
G1664, Ἐλιούδ (Elioúd), is a proper name meaning "God of majesty" or "My God is majesty," derived from Hebrew roots. Its sole appearance in the New Testament is in [[Matthew 1:15]], where Eliud is listed as an ancestor of Jesus Christ, linking Achim and Eleazar in the messianic genealogy. While no personal narrative is associated with him, Eliud's significance is twofold: he serves as a crucial historical link in the divinely preserved lineage of the Messiah, and the profound meaning of his name, "God of majesty," acts as a quiet theological declaration. His inclusion within the sacred genealogy implicitly testifies to the sovereign and majestic character of God, who faithfully guides history and human generations towards the fulfillment of His redemptive plan in Jesus Christ.
TRV