from בַּעַל and יָדַע; Baal has known; Beeljada, an Israelite; Beeliada.
Transliteration:Bᵉʻelyâdâʻ
Pronunciation:beh-el-yaw-daw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun בְּעֶלְיָדָע (Bᵉʻelyâdâʻ), Strong's number `{{H1182}}`, is a compound personal name. Its etymology derives from two distinct elements: בַּעַל (Baal, `{{H1167}}`) and יָדָע (yada, `{{H3045}}`). The first element, בַּעַל, primarily signifies "lord," "master," or "owner," but it also served as the proper name for a prominent Canaanite storm and fertility deity. The second element, יָדָע, means "to know," encompassing a wide semantic range from intellectual apprehension to intimate, experiential knowledge. Therefore, the name Bᵉʻelyâdâʻ literally translates to "Baal has known" or "Baal knows." As a personal name, its semantic range is fixed by its etymology, pointing to an acknowledgment of Baal's knowledge or power, a significant theological point given its Israelite context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name בְּעֶלְיָדָע (Bᵉʻelyâdâʻ) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[1 Chronicles 14:7]]. It is listed as one of the sons born to King David in Jerusalem. The full list in this passage reads: "Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet."
Crucially, the parallel account in [[2 Samuel 5:16]] lists the same sons of David, but in place of Beeliada, the name is אֶלְיָדָע (Eliada, `{{H452}}`). Eliada means "God has known" or "God knows," being composed of אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`, God) and יָדָע (yada, `{{H3045}}`). This textual variant is highly significant. Scholars widely consider "Eliada" to be the original or preferred reading, with "Beeliada" in 1 Chronicles 14:7 likely representing either a scribal error or an earlier form of the name that was later consciously altered to remove the pagan "Baal" element in favor of the divine "El" (God), reflecting a theological purification of the text. The Chronicler's general tendency to present a more idealized view of David and Israel's history lends credence to the idea that "Eliada" was the intended or preferred designation for David's son.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words are the constituent elements of the name itself:
* **בַּעַל (Baal, `{{H1167}}`):** This term is central to understanding the name's implications. Beyond its generic meaning of "owner" or "master," it became the proper name for the chief Canaanite deity, the storm god. Throughout the Old Testament, Baal worship is presented as the quintessential idolatry and a direct affront to Yahweh, leading to severe condemnation (e.g., the conflict between Elijah and the prophets of Baal in [[1 Kings 18]]).
* **יָדַע (yada, `{{H3045}}`):** This verb signifies "to know" in a comprehensive sense. It can denote intellectual knowledge, but more profoundly, it often implies intimate, experiential, or relational knowledge, including divine knowledge and human knowledge of God.
* **אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`):** This generic term for "God" is the first element in the name Eliada (`{{H452}}`), which stands in direct contrast to Beeliada. The substitution of "El" for "Baal" fundamentally shifts the theological allegiance implied by the name.
* **Other "Baal" Names:** The phenomenon of names containing "Baal" being altered to "Bosheth" (meaning "shame") or "El" is not unique to Beeliada/Eliada. For instance, Ishbaal (`{{H3789}}`) becomes Ish-bosheth (`{{H3789}}`) in [[2 Samuel 2:8]], and Meribbaal (`{{H4806}}`) becomes Mephibosheth (`{{H4647}}`) in [[2 Samuel 4:4]]. This consistent pattern underscores a deliberate scribal or theological aversion to associating Israelite figures, especially those close to the Davidic line, with pagan deities.
### Theological Significance
The name בְּעֶלְיָדָע (Bᵉʻelyâdâʻ), meaning "Baal has known," carries a profound theological tension within the context of Israelite faith. For a son of King David, the very embodiment of Yahweh's covenant king, to bear a name invoking a pagan deity would be deeply problematic. This tension is precisely why the textual variant to אֶלְיָדָע (Eliada, "God has known") in [[2 Samuel 5:16]] is so significant.
The likely emendation from "Baal" to "El" in the name reflects a powerful theological statement. It demonstrates the fervent monotheism developing within ancient Israel and the conscious effort to purify the national identity and historical record from any syncretistic elements. The scribes, particularly those responsible for the Chronicler's history, sought to present a narrative that unequivocally affirmed Yahweh as the sole God of Israel. By changing "Baal has known" to "God has known," the name is transformed from an ambiguous or potentially idolatrous declaration into an affirmation of Yahweh's exclusive knowledge, sovereignty, and benevolent interaction with His people. This act of textual preservation, or rather, textual purification, highlights the enduring struggle against pagan influence and the commitment to Yahweh's unique and supreme authority. It underscores that true knowledge and divine favor come from the God of Israel, not from the false gods of the nations.
### Summary
בְּעֶלְיָדָע (Bᵉʻelyâdâʻ, `{{H1182}}`) is a unique Hebrew personal name, appearing only in [[1 Chronicles 14:7]], meaning "Baal has known." It is listed as one of King David's sons. However, its theological significance is most profoundly revealed through its textual variant: the parallel account in [[2 Samuel 5:16]] names the same son as אֶלְיָדָע (Eliada, `{{H452}}`), meaning "God has known." This discrepancy is widely understood as a deliberate scribal alteration, reflecting a strong theological imperative to remove any association with the pagan deity Baal from the Israelite royal lineage. The shift from "Baal has known" to "God has known" underscores the exclusive sovereignty and knowledge of Yahweh, affirming the monotheistic convictions of Israel and rejecting any form of syncretism. This small textual detail thus serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing purification of Israel's faith and its commitment to the one true God.
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