The Hebrew word ʼÔhad, represented by H161, is the name of an Israelite. Derived from an unused root meaning "to be united," its definition is simply unity; Ohad. This name appears only 2 times in 2 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within genealogical lists.
In the biblical narrative, H161 appears solely to identify an individual within the lineage of Jacob. Both occurrences are found in lists of the sons of Simeon. In Genesis, he is named as one of the descendants of Jacob who went down into Egypt Genesis 46:10. This list is repeated almost verbatim in Exodus, which specifies that these sons represent the families of Simeon Exodus 6:15. In both accounts, Ohad is named alongside his brothers Jemuel, Jamin, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul.
Several related words provide a framework for understanding Ohad's identity within the biblical genealogies:
- H8095 Shimʻôwn (hearing; Shimon): This refers to Simeon, one of Jacob's sons and the patriarch of the tribe to which Ohad belonged. Ohad is consistently listed as one of the sons of Simeon Genesis 46:10.
- H1121 bên (son): This fundamental term for son establishes Ohad's direct genealogical relationship. The phrase "the sons of Simeon" prefaces his name in both scriptural mentions Exodus 6:15.
- H4940 mishpâchâh (family): This word, meaning a family or circle of relatives, is used to classify the descendants of Simeon. The list including Ohad is explicitly labeled "these are the families of Simeon" Exodus 6:15.
The significance of H161 is almost exclusively genealogical. Its presence in scripture serves to establish the lineage and family structure of the tribe of Simeon.
- Tribal Identity: Ohad is named as one of the foundational sons who form the "families of Simeon" Exodus 6:15. This helps to document the early formation of the Israelite nation.
- Genealogical Record: His inclusion in the lists in Genesis and Exodus is crucial for the detailed ancestral record keeping that is central to the biblical narrative, identifying those who entered Egypt with Jacob.
- Unity in Name: While the text does not elaborate further on his life, his name itself is defined as unity, stemming from a root meaning "to be united."
In summary, H161 ʼÔhad is a specific personal name that appears in two key genealogical passages. Its function is to identify one of the sons of Simeon, thereby contributing to the comprehensive record of Jacob's descendants who journeyed to Egypt. While the name itself carries the meaning of unity, the biblical text uses it to cement an individual's place within the tribal structure of Israel rather than to explore a broader theological theme.
TRV