### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מוֹלִיד (Môwlîyd), Strong's number `{{H4140}}`, functions primarily as a proper noun, the name "Molid." Its etymology is crucial for understanding its core meaning. It is derived from the verb יָלַד (yalad), Strong's number `{{H3205}}`, which carries the fundamental meaning "to bear, to beget, to give birth to." In the Hiphil stem, from which "Molid" appears to be derived (as a participle or noun form), it means "to cause to be born," or "to beget." Thus, the name "Molid" signifies "genitor," "one who begets," or "ancestor." It inherently points to the act of procreation and the continuity of a family line, emphasizing the role of an individual in extending a lineage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Molid occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, within a genealogical list in the book of Chronicles:
* **[[1 Chronicles 2:6]]**: "The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara—five in all." (This is a slight misquote of the verse, Molid is in 1 Chronicles 2:29, not 2:6. Let me correct this.)
* **[[1 Chronicles 2:29]]**: "The sons of Abishur were Ahban and Molid."
In this sole occurrence, Molid is identified as a son of Abishur and a descendant of Jerahmeel, who was a son of Hezron. Hezron, in turn, was a son of Perez, one of the twin sons of Judah ([[Genesis 38:29]]). Therefore, Molid is situated within the extensive genealogy of the tribe of Judah. The context of Chronicles places significant emphasis on genealogies, serving to establish tribal identities, land claims, and the continuity of God's covenant people. The inclusion of Molid in this detailed lineage underscores the importance of every link in the ancestral chain, particularly for the tribe from which the Davidic monarchy and, ultimately, the Messiah would emerge. The brevity of his mention, simply as a name, highlights his role as a progenitor, a link in the chain of generations.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the root verb יָלַד (yalad), `{{H3205}}`, from which Molid is derived. This verb is foundational to biblical understanding of life, family, and divine promise. It is used extensively to describe:
* **Physical birth and procreation**: E.g., [[Genesis 4:1]] "Eve conceived and bore Cain."
* **The begetting of nations**: E.g., [[Genesis 10:1]] "These are the generations of the sons of Noah."
* **Figurative or spiritual birth**: Though more prominent in the New Testament (e.g., "born again" in `{{G1080}}` *gennao*), the concept of new beginnings or origins is rooted in the Old Testament's understanding of creation and redemption.
Other related concepts include:
* **Genealogy (יַחַס - yachas, `{{H3187}}`)**: The meticulous recording of ancestral lines, crucial for Israelite identity, tribal inheritance, and the tracing of the messianic line.
* **Seed (זֶרַע - zera', `{{H2233}}`)**: Often used metaphorically for descendants, particularly in relation to covenant promises, such as God's promise to Abraham regarding his "seed" ([[Genesis 12:7]]).
* **House (בַּיִת - bayith, `{{H1004}}`)**: Referring not just to a physical dwelling but to a family, lineage, or dynasty (e.g., "house of David").
The name Molid, therefore, participates in this rich semantic field, pointing to the divine ordering of human procreation and the establishment of families and tribes within God's redemptive plan.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of a name like Molid, rooted in the concept of "begetting," lies primarily in the biblical emphasis on lineage and continuity. Genealogies in the Old Testament are not mere historical records; they serve profound theological purposes:
1. **Divine Faithfulness to Covenant**: The preservation of family lines demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants ([[Genesis 15:5]]) and the land. Each generation, including figures like Molid, is a testament to God's ongoing work in history.
2. **Identity and Inheritance**: For ancient Israel, one's tribal affiliation, established through genealogy, determined one's inheritance of land and social standing. The meticulous recording, as seen in Chronicles, underscores the divine ordering of society and the fulfillment of promises related to the Promised Land.
3. **Messianic Expectation**: Most profoundly, the genealogies, especially that of Judah, meticulously trace the lineage leading to the promised Messiah. While Molid is not in the direct Davidic line, his inclusion in the broader Judahite genealogy contributes to the overall tapestry that would eventually produce the Christ. The very act of "begetting" becomes a vehicle for God's redemptive plan to unfold through human history.
4. **God as the Ultimate Source of Life**: The concept embedded in "Molid" ultimately points to God as the supreme Genitor, the source of all life and the one who orchestrates the generations of humankind according to His sovereign will.
### Summary
Molid (מוֹלִיד, `{{H4140}}`) is a proper noun meaning "genitor" or "one who begets," derived from the Hebrew verb יָלַד (yalad, `{{H3205}}`), "to bear, to beget." Its single biblical appearance in [[1 Chronicles 2:29]] places it within the detailed genealogy of the tribe of Judah, specifically as a descendant of Jerahmeel. While only a name in a list, Molid's significance lies in his role as a link in the continuous chain of generations, underscoring the biblical emphasis on lineage. This emphasis is crucial for understanding God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, the establishment of tribal identity and inheritance in Israel, and the meticulous tracing of the ancestral line that would ultimately lead to the Messiah. The name Molid, therefore, subtly yet profoundly testifies to the divine ordering of human history and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the generations.
TRV