### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼArd**, represented by `{{H714}}`, is the name given to two Israelites. Derived from an unused root that probably means "to wander," the name's definition is **fugitive**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, both within genealogical lists.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical appearances of `{{H714}}` are exclusively within the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin. In [[Genesis 46:21]], **Ard** is listed as one of the direct **sons** `{{H1121}}` of **Benjamin** `{{H1144}}`. However, in a later census recorded in [[Numbers 26:40]], **Ard** is identified as a **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Bela** `{{H1106}}`, making him a grandson of Benjamin. This second account also establishes the lineage that follows from him, noting "the **family** `{{H4940}}` of the **Ardites** `{{H716}}`."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are key to understanding the context in which **Ard** is mentioned:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word is fundamental to the genealogical lists, establishing direct descent and the structure of the family line, as seen in the phrases "the **sons** of Benjamin" [[Genesis 46:21]] and "the **sons** of Bela" [[Numbers 26:40]].
* `{{H1144}}` **Binyâmîyn** (Benjamin): This is the name of the patriarch whose descendants form the tribe to which **Ard** belongs.
* `{{H1106}}` **Belaʻ** (Bela): The name of Benjamin's son who is identified as the father of **Ard** in the census recorded in Numbers [[Numbers 26:40]].
* `{{H4940}}` **mishpâchâh** (a family): This term describes a circle of relatives or a clan. It is used to designate the descendants of **Ard** as a distinct family unit, "the **family** of the Ardites" [[Numbers 26:40]].
* `{{H716}}` **ʼArdîy** (an Ardite): The patronymic term used to refer to the descendants of **Ard** as a collective group.
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H714}}` lies entirely within its genealogical function. It serves to:
* **Establish Lineage:** The name **Ard** is a crucial link in the patriarchal chain of the tribe of Benjamin, documenting the lineage for future generations.
* **Form a Family Unit:** The appearance of the name gives rise to a recognized clan, "the **family** `{{H4940}}` of the **Ardites** `{{H716}}`" [[Numbers 26:40]], demonstrating how an individual ancestor's name becomes the identity for a larger group.
* **Illustrate Genealogical Detail:** The two accounts of Ard's parentage—as a son of Benjamin in Genesis and as a grandson of Benjamin in Numbers—show the specific focus of these records in mapping tribal relationships and family structures.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H714}}` **ʼArd** is a proper name whose importance is tied to the documentation of Israel's tribal history. Though its root definition suggests a "fugitive," its use in scripture is to anchor an individual and his descendants firmly within the lineage of **Benjamin** `{{H1144}}`. The name's primary function is to serve as a genealogical marker, founding the **family** `{{H4940}}` of the **Ardites** `{{H716}}` and preserving the ancestral record of the nation.
TRV