from עַם and הוֹד; people of splendor; Ammihud, the name of three Israelites; Ammihud.
Transliteration:ʻAmmîyhûwd
Pronunciation:am-mee-hood'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun `{{H5989}}` (ʻAmmîyhûwd) is a compound name derived from two distinct elements: `{{H5971}}` (ʻam), meaning "people" or "kinsman," and `{{H1935}}` (hôd), meaning "splendor," "majesty," "glory," or "honor." Thus, the name literally translates to "my people is splendor" or "people of splendor/majesty." As a personal name, its semantic range is confined to this etymological meaning, conveying a sense of dignity, honor, and inherent worth associated with the individual or their lineage. It reflects a cultural value placed on prominence and glory, often in relation to one's community or family.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H5989}}` appears in the Old Testament referring to three distinct individuals:
1. **Ammihud, father of Elishama:** This Ammihud is an Israelite from the tribe of Ephraim, whose son Elishama served as a prominent leader during the wilderness wanderings. Elishama is identified as "son of Ammihud" in several passages, underscoring his lineage and tribal authority. He is mentioned among the chiefs of the tribes of Israel, participating in the census and leading his division in the wilderness journeys.
* [[Numbers 1:16]] identifies Elishama, son of Ammihud, as a leader of Ephraim.
* [[Numbers 2:18]] places Elishama at the head of the Ephraimite camp.
* [[Numbers 7:48]] and [[Numbers 7:53]] record Elishama's offering on the seventh day of the dedication of the tabernacle.
* [[Numbers 10:22]] notes Elishama leading the Ephraimite division during the march.
2. **Ammihud, father of Pedahel:** Another Israelite, this Ammihud is from the tribe of Naphtali. His son Pedahel is chosen as one of the tribal leaders appointed by God to assist Eleazar the priest and Joshua in dividing the land of Canaan among the tribes.
* [[Numbers 34:28]] lists Pedahel son of Ammihud as the prince for the tribe of Naphtali, designated for the land division.
3. **Ammihud, father of Talmai:** This Ammihud is identified as the father of Talmai, the king of Geshur. Talmai's daughter Maacah became one of King David's wives and the mother of Absalom. This Ammihud is notably not an Israelite but a king of a foreign nation, Geshur, located east of the Jordan River. His inclusion highlights that names reflecting "splendor" or "majesty" were not exclusive to Israelite culture but were common across the ancient Near East, signifying royal or noble status.
* [[2 Samuel 13:37]] states that Absalom fled to Talmai, son of Ammihud, king of Geshur, after killing Amnon.
### Related Words & Concepts
The constituent elements of `{{H5989}}` are crucial for understanding its depth:
* `{{H5971}}` (ʻam): This word denotes "people," "nation," or "kinsman." It carries significant weight in biblical theology, often referring to God's chosen people, Israel, emphasizing their collective identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh. In names, it can signify belonging, community, or the character of the people.
* `{{H1935}}` (hôd): This term signifies "splendor," "majesty," "glory," "honor," or "vigor." It is frequently used to describe the majestic attributes of God ([[Psalm 8:1]], [[Psalm 104:1]]), the glory of kings and kingdoms ([[Daniel 11:21]]), or the beauty and dignity of creation. In names, it imbues the bearer with qualities of eminence and distinction.
Other Hebrew names incorporating `{{H5971}}` include Ammiel (`{{H5988}}`, "people of God") and Amminadab (`{{H5992}}`, "my people is generous/noble"), further illustrating the significance of "people" in personal nomenclature. The combination of "people" with "splendor" in `{{H5989}}` uniquely points to a communal or inherited sense of dignity.
### Theological Significance
The name ʻAmmîyhûwd, "people of splendor," carries theological resonance, particularly for the Israelite figures who bore it. For the fathers of Elishama and Pedahel, the name would have signified the inherent dignity and honor bestowed upon those who belonged to God's chosen people. It may reflect a parental hope or a recognition of the family's standing within the community, perhaps even anticipating the future leadership roles of their sons. The "splendor" could be seen as a reflection of God's own glory (`{{H1935}}`) being manifest in His covenant people (`{{H5971}}`).
Even for the Geshurite king, the name speaks to a universal human aspiration for greatness and recognition. While not directly tied to the covenant relationship with Yahweh, it underscores that the concept of "splendor" and "majesty" was a highly valued attribute across cultures, often associated with leadership and power. The biblical record, by including this foreign king, subtly acknowledges the broader human pursuit of honor while contrasting it with the unique "splendor" that comes from being God's peculiar treasure. In essence, the name points to the inherent worth, whether divinely bestowed upon Israel or humanly sought by all, that defines individuals and their lineage.
### Summary
`{{H5989}}`, ʻAmmîyhûwd, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "my people is splendor" or "people of splendor/majesty," composed of `{{H5971}}` ("people") and `{{H1935}}` ("splendor"). The name is borne by three individuals in the Old Testament: two prominent Israelite fathers whose sons, Elishama and Pedahel, were significant leaders during the wilderness and conquest periods, and a Geshurite king, Talmai's father. For the Israelites, the name likely underscored the dignity and honor associated with being part of God's chosen people, reflecting a sense of inherent worth and potential for leadership. For the Geshurite king, it highlights a universal human desire for eminence. Across its occurrences, ʻAmmîyhûwd serves as a testament to the value placed on honor, distinction, and the collective identity of a people.
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