probably of foreign derivation; Lud, the name of two nations; Lud, Lydia.
Transliteration:Lûwd
Pronunciation:lood
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3865}}` (Lûwd) is primarily understood as a proper noun referring to a people or a nation. Its base definition suggests a foreign derivation, indicating its origin outside of the immediate Hebrew linguistic sphere. The term encompasses two distinct, though potentially related, geographical and ethnic entities: "Lud" and "Lydia." In the biblical context, "Lud" most frequently refers to the Ludim, a people descended from Mizraim (Egypt), as listed in the Table of Nations in [[Genesis 10:13]]. This lineage places them firmly within the Hamitic branch, suggesting an African or North African identity. Conversely, "Lydia" refers to the ancient kingdom in western Asia Minor, known for its wealth and distinct culture. While the Strong's definition includes both, the overwhelming contextual evidence in the Hebrew Bible points to the African Ludim when `{{H3865}}` is used. The semantic range thus covers an ethno-geographical designation, often associated with military prowess, particularly archery.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3865}}` appears five times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently referring to a people or nation, often in conjunction with other nations.
1. **[[Genesis 10:13]]:** "And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim..." Here, "Ludim" (plural of Lud) is listed as one of the descendants of Mizraim (Egypt). This genealogical placement is foundational, linking the Ludim directly to Egypt and the African continent, distinguishing them from the Lydians of Asia Minor. This verse establishes their identity as a distinct people group within the Hamitic lineage.
2. **[[Isaiah 66:19]]:** "And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles." In this prophetic context, Lud is mentioned among distant nations to whom the remnant of Israel will be sent to proclaim God's glory. The descriptive phrase "that draw the bow" highlights their reputation as skilled archers, a characteristic consistent with ancient accounts of certain African peoples. Their inclusion among far-off nations underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.
3. **[[Jeremiah 46:9]]:** "Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots; and let the mighty men come forth; the Ethiopians and the Libyans, that handle the shield; and the Lydians, that handle and bend the bow." This verse, part of a prophecy against Egypt, again associates Lud (Lydians in some translations, but referring to the Ludim) with military might, specifically archery. They are depicted as allies or mercenaries in the Egyptian army, alongside Cush (Ethiopia) and Put (Libya), further solidifying their African connection.
4. **[[Ezekiel 27:10]]:** "They of Persia and of Lud and of Put were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness." In this lament over Tyre, Lud is identified as providing soldiers for Tyre's formidable army, alongside Persia and Put (Libya). This reinforces their reputation as skilled warriors and their association with North African peoples, serving as mercenaries for powerful commercial centers.
5. **[[Ezekiel 30:5]]:** "Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword." Similar to [[Jeremiah 46:9]], Lud (Lydia) is listed among the nations allied with Egypt that will suffer judgment. The consistent grouping with Cush (Ethiopia) and Put (Libya) in prophetic texts strongly suggests that the "Lud" referenced here is the Ludim of African descent, rather than the Lydians of Asia Minor.
Across these occurrences, `{{H3865}}` consistently points to a people known for their military prowess, particularly archery, and is frequently linked geographically and ethnically with Egypt and other North African nations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H3865}}` naturally leads to several related terms and concepts:
* **`{{H4714}}` (Miṣrayim):** Egypt. The direct genealogical link in [[Genesis 10:13]] establishes Ludim as descendants of Mizraim, making Egypt their ancestral homeland or primary sphere of influence.
* **`{{H3864}}` (Lûdîm):** The plural form of Lud, specifically used in [[Genesis 10:13]] to denote the people group.
* **`{{H3866}}` (Lûḏî):** Another related term, possibly referring to a Lydian or an inhabitant of Lud.
* **`{{H6316}}` (Pûṭ):** Put, often identified with ancient Libya. Frequently mentioned alongside Lud (e.g., [[Jeremiah 46:9]], [[Ezekiel 27:10]], [[Ezekiel 30:5]]), reinforcing the North African context.
* **`{{H3568}}` (Kûš):** Cush, often identified with ancient Ethiopia/Nubia. Also frequently grouped with Lud and Put (e.g., [[Jeremiah 46:9]], [[Ezekiel 30:5]]), further strengthening the African association.
* **Military Terminology:** Words like "bow" (`{{H7198}}` *qešet*), "shield" (`{{H4043}}` *māḡēn*), and "army" (`{{H2428}}` *ḥayil*) are recurrent in contexts describing Lud, emphasizing their martial reputation.
* **Table of Nations:** The broader context of [[Genesis 10]] provides the framework for understanding the Ludim within the global distribution of peoples after the Flood, highlighting God's sovereign ordering of humanity.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Lud (Ludim) in the biblical narrative, though seemingly minor, carries significant theological weight.
1. **God's Sovereignty Over All Nations:** The mention of Lud, a relatively obscure nation to the ancient Israelites, particularly in prophetic contexts ([[Isaiah 66:19]], [[Jeremiah 46:9]], [[Ezekiel 27:10]], [[Ezekiel 30:5]]), demonstrates the universal scope of God's dominion. His plans and judgments extend to the most distant and seemingly insignificant peoples, affirming that no nation is outside His purview.
2. **The Universality of God's Glory and Judgment:** In [[Isaiah 66:19]], Lud is among the nations to whom God's glory will be declared. This highlights the expansive nature of God's redemptive purpose, reaching beyond Israel to the Gentiles. Conversely, their inclusion in prophecies of judgment against Egypt and Tyre ([[Jeremiah 46:9]], [[Ezekiel 27:10]], [[Ezekiel 30:5]]) underscores that all nations, whether allies or adversaries, are accountable to the divine will and subject to divine retribution for their sins.
3. **Ethnographic Accuracy and Divine Revelation:** The precise genealogical listing in [[Genesis 10:13]] and the consistent association of Lud with specific African nations in later prophetic books lend credibility to the biblical narrative as a divinely inspired record that reflects real historical and geographical knowledge of the ancient world. Even minor details contribute to the tapestry of God's unfolding plan.
4. **Humanity's Interconnectedness:** The portrayal of Ludim as mercenaries serving various empires (Tyre, Egypt) illustrates the interconnectedness of ancient societies and the role of different peoples in the larger geopolitical landscape, all operating under God's ultimate control.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H3865}}` (Lûwd) primarily refers to the Ludim, a people descended from Mizraim (Egypt), thus placing them in a North African context. While the Strong's definition also includes "Lydia" of Asia Minor, biblical usage consistently associates Lud with other African nations like Put (Libya) and Cush (Ethiopia). They are frequently depicted as skilled archers and formidable warriors, often serving as mercenaries in the armies of powerful empires like Egypt and Tyre. The theological significance of Lud's inclusion in the biblical text lies in its demonstration of God's universal sovereignty over all nations, His expansive plan for both judgment and the declaration of His glory to distant peoples, and the historical accuracy embedded within the divine revelation.
TRV