### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Lôd**, represented by `{{H3850}}`, is the proper name for **Lod, a place in Palestine**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The term consistently refers to a specific town, noted for its construction, its inhabitants who returned from exile, and its association with nearby settlements.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3850}}` is first identified as a town **built** by the sons of Elpaal, along with Ono and its surrounding towns [[1 Chronicles 8:12]]. Later, following the Babylonian exile, the "children of **Lod**" are mentioned in census lists of those who returned to Judah. These accounts in Ezra and Nehemiah group the people of **Lod** with those from Hadid and Ono ([[Ezra 2:33]], [[Nehemiah 7:37]]). Finally, it is located with Ono in "the valley of craftsmen," indicating its connection to a region of skilled artisans [[Nehemiah 11:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which Lod is mentioned:
* `{{H207}}` **ʼÔwnôw** (Ono, a place in Palestine): This town is mentioned in every verse that names Lod, indicating a very close geographical and administrative connection between the two settlements [[1 Chronicles 8:12]].
* `{{H2307}}` **Châdîyd** (Hadid, a place in Palestine): This town is consistently listed with Lod and Ono in the records of families returning from exile, identifying them as a distinct regional group [[Ezra 2:33]].
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This root word establishes the origin of Lod, which was **built** by the descendants of Elpaal [[1 Chronicles 8:12]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This term is used to identify the "children" or inhabitants of Lod who were part of the community that returned to their homeland after the captivity [[Nehemiah 7:37]].
* `{{H2798}}` **Chărâshîym** (craftsmen): Lod is situated in a valley named for this group, connecting the town's location to an area known for its artisans [[Nehemiah 11:35]].
### Theological Significance
The historical significance of `{{H3850}}` is tied to its role in Israel's history, particularly during the restoration period.
* **Genealogical Marker:** The town's founding is recorded within the genealogies, establishing its origins with the sons of Elpaal [[1 Chronicles 8:12]].
* **Post-Exilic Community:** Lod is significant as one of the towns whose inhabitants, the "children of Lod," were accounted for in the return from Babylon, highlighting its role in the resettlement of Judah ([[Ezra 2:33]], [[Nehemiah 7:37]]).
* **Regional Association:** The consistent grouping of Lod with Ono and Hadid suggests they formed a recognized district or cluster of towns [[Nehemiah 7:37]].
* **Economic Identity:** Its placement in the "valley of craftsmen" points to a local economy likely centered around skilled trades [[Nehemiah 11:35]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3850}}` is a specific geographical place name rather than a term with abstract or theological meaning. Its appearances in scripture serve to document its history: its initial construction [[1 Chronicles 8:12]], the identity of its people returning from exile [[Ezra 2:33]], and its location in a valley known for its artisans [[Nehemiah 11:35]]. The story of Lod is that of a community built, displaced, and restored, consistently identified by its connection to its neighboring towns.
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