The Greek word Ἐλιούδ (Elioúd), represented by G1664, is a proper name meaning God of majesty. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. This name is of Hebrew origin and identifies an Israelite individual within the genealogical lineage of Jesus Christ.
In the biblical narrative, G1664 is used exclusively within the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. It serves to mark a specific link in the ancestral line. The first mention establishes his parentage: "And G1161 Achim G885 begat G1080 Eliud G1664" Matthew 1:14. Immediately following, his role as a father is stated: "And G1161 Eliud G1664 begat G1080 Eleazar G1648" Matthew 1:15.
Several related words clarify the genealogical context of G1664:
- G885 Acheím (Achim, an Israelite): This is the name of Eliud's father, placing him in the direct lineage documented in Matthew Matthew 1:14.
- G1648 Eleázar (Eleazar, an Israelite): This is the name of Eliud's son, establishing the subsequent generation in the same genealogy Matthew 1:15.
- G1080 gennáō (to procreate... beget, be born): This verb is the primary action connecting each generation within the lineage, including the statements that Achim "begat" Eliud and Eliud "begat" Eleazar Matthew 1:14-15.
- G107 Azṓr (Azor, an Israelite): The great-grandfather of Eliud, who appears earlier in the same verse, establishing the preceding lineage Matthew 1:14.
The theological significance of G1664 is derived from its placement within the genealogy of Christ.
- Messianic Lineage: Eliud's primary importance is his inclusion in the ancestral line of Jesus, serving as a crucial link between his father, Achim, and his son, Eleazar Matthew 1:14-15.
- Genealogical Record: His name contributes to the detailed historical account that validates Jesus's heritage as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.
- Contrast in "Begetting": The word used to describe Eliud's role, G1080 gennáō, is used in the genealogy for physical procreation. The same word is used elsewhere to describe a spiritual reality, to be "born G1080 of God" 1 John 5:4, contrasting the physical lineage with the spiritual rebirth available to believers.
In summary, G1664 Elioúd is a name whose significance is tied entirely to its function within the biblical record. While its definition is "God of majesty," its role is not one of action but of connection, solidifying a single generational step in the lineage of Jesus Christ. The name appears only twice, but these mentions are essential for documenting the historical and covenantal continuity leading to the Messiah as presented in Matthew's Gospel.
TRV