### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H1936}}` (Hôwd) is primarily a proper noun, serving as the name of an individual. Its base definition explicitly states it is "the same as הוֹד," referring to the lemma `{{H1935}}`. This connection is crucial for understanding its semantic range. `{{H1935}}` (הוֹד) carries the core meaning of "majesty," "splendor," "glory," "honor," or "dignity." Therefore, while `{{H1936}}` itself denotes a specific person, the name "Hod" inherently carries the semantic weight and connotation of its root, suggesting qualities of majesty, honor, or distinction. In the context of ancient Near Eastern nomenclature, names often reflected aspirations, characteristics, or a significant event, and thus "Hod" would have conveyed a sense of inherent dignity or greatness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun `{{H1936}}` (Hôwd) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* **[[1 Chronicles 7:37]]**: "Bera, Imrah, Bezer, Hod, Shamma, Shilshah, Ithran, and Beera."
In this solitary occurrence, Hod is listed as one of the sons of Zophah, a descendant of Asher, within a detailed genealogy of the tribe of Asher. The context is purely genealogical, serving to enumerate the lineage and family structure of one of the tribes of Israel. As a name within a list of descendants, its primary function is identification. There is no narrative or descriptive information provided about Hod himself, leaving the interpretation of his name's significance entirely to its etymological root. The inclusion of such detailed genealogies underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage, identity, and the preservation of tribal records.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to `{{H1936}}` is its root, `{{H1935}}` (הוֹד), which is a substantive noun meaning "majesty," "splendor," "glory," "honor," or "dignity." This word is frequently used throughout the Old Testament to describe:
* **Divine Majesty:** God's inherent glory and splendor (e.g., [[Psalm 104:1]], [[Job 40:10]]).
* **Kingly Splendor:** The dignity and magnificence of human rulers (e.g., [[Daniel 11:21]]).
* **Human Dignity:** The honor bestowed upon humanity by God (e.g., [[Psalm 8:5]]).
* **Beauty and Ornamentation:** Physical beauty or adornment (e.g., [[Isaiah 3:18]]).
Other related concepts include:
* `{{H3519}}` (כָּבוֹד, *kābôd*): Often translated as "glory" or "honor," frequently referring to God's manifest presence or weighty importance.
* `{{H8597}}` (תִּפְאֶרֶת, *tif'eret*): Meaning "beauty," "glory," or "splendor," often associated with natural beauty or human achievement.
* `{{H1926}}` (הָדַר, *hādār*): The verbal root from which `{{H1935}}` is sometimes thought to derive, meaning "to honor," "to glorify," or "to show respect."
The use of "Hod" as a personal name reflects a common biblical practice where names were not arbitrary labels but carried meaning, often pointing to a characteristic, a hope, or a divine attribute.
### Theological Significance
While the individual "Hod" himself holds no explicit theological role or narrative significance in the biblical text, the meaning embedded in his name, derived from `{{H1935}}` (הוֹד), carries profound theological implications. The concept of "majesty," "splendor," and "glory" is central to biblical theology, primarily as an attribute of God. God is consistently depicted as possessing ultimate הוֹד, a majesty that transcends all earthly power and beauty ([[Psalm 29:4]], [[Psalm 96:6]]).
Furthermore, the Bible teaches that humanity, created in God's image, was initially crowned with "glory and honor" (הוֹד וְהָדָר, [[Psalm 8:5]]), reflecting a bestowed dignity and a share in God's created order. The naming of a person "Hod" could therefore be seen as an aspiration for that individual to embody dignity, honor, or even a reflection of divine glory in their life. It subtly points to the broader biblical theme that even in human lineage, there is an underlying connection to the divine attributes of splendor and honor, a reminder of humanity's original exalted status and potential for reflecting God's glory.
### Summary
`{{H1936}}` (Hôwd) is a proper noun, the name of an Israelite from the tribe of Asher, mentioned only once in [[1 Chronicles 7:37]] within a genealogical list. Its significance primarily stems from its direct connection to `{{H1935}}` (הוֹד), a common Hebrew word meaning "majesty," "splendor," "glory," or "honor." Thus, the name "Hod" inherently conveys connotations of dignity and distinction. While the biblical text provides no narrative details about the individual Hod, the etymological root of his name points to profound theological concepts, particularly the inherent majesty and glory of God, and the bestowed dignity upon humanity as His creation. Even in a simple name within a genealogy, a whisper of divine attributes and human aspiration for honor can be discerned.
TRV