### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H8434 (תּוֹלָד, *Tôwlâd*) is derived from the root `{{H3205}}` (יָלַד, *yalad*), which fundamentally means "to bear," "to bring forth," or "to beget." This root is foundational to concepts of birth, lineage, and generation. While the etymological root points to "posterity" or "generations," H8434 itself functions primarily as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine. Thus, its semantic range shifts from an abstract concept of descendants to a concrete place name, likely named for its association with a particular lineage or settlement pattern. It is closely related to and often identified with `{{H432}}` (אֶלְתּוֹלָד, *Eltolad*), which appears as an alternative or fuller name for the same locality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H8434 (Tôwlâd) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[1 Chronicles 4:29]]: "And they dwelt at Beer-sheba, and Moladah, and Hazar-shual, and Bilhah, and Ezem, and Tôlad, and Bethuel, and Hormah..."
In this solitary occurrence, Tôlad is listed among the cities inhabited by the tribe of Simeon. The passage in [[1 Chronicles 4]] details the genealogies and settlements of various tribes, with a particular focus on their territorial inheritances. Tôlad is presented as one of the towns within the allotted territory of Simeon, situated in the southern part of Judah. Its inclusion in this list of cities confirms its identity as a geographical location rather than an abstract noun referring to "posterity."
This place is paralleled in [[Joshua 15:30]] and [[Joshua 19:4]] as `{{H432}}` (Eltolad), which is also listed as a city belonging to Judah and later assigned to Simeon, further solidifying its identification as a specific locale within the tribal allotments. The context is purely geographical and administrative, mapping the fulfillment of God's promise of land to His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the root `{{H3205}}` (יָלַד, *yalad*), meaning "to bear, beget, bring forth." This root gives rise to a wide array of terms related to family, lineage, and generation.
Directly related in form and meaning is `{{H8435}}` (תּוֹלְדוֹת, *tôlᵉdôth*), a common plural noun meaning "generations," "descendants," or "accounts of origins." This term is famously used in the formula "these are the generations of..." ([[Genesis 2:4]], [[Genesis 5:1]], etc.), which structures much of the book of Genesis and beyond, tracing the lineage of humanity and the chosen people. While H8434 is a place, its name echoes this profound biblical theme of lineage and continuity.
As noted, `{{H432}}` (אֶלְתּוֹלָד, *Eltolad*) is essentially the same place, perhaps an expanded or alternative form of the name, meaning "God of Posterity" or "God of Generations," reinforcing the etymological link.
The concept of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, *nachalah*) is also closely related, as Tôlad is part of the tribal inheritance granted by God to the Simeonites, fulfilling the covenant promises of land.
### Theological Significance
While H8434 (Tôwlâd) itself is a place name with limited direct theological exposition, its significance arises from its context and etymology.
1. **Divine Faithfulness in Land Allotment:** As a city within the tribal inheritance of Simeon, Tôlad represents the concrete fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham regarding land for his descendants ([[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18]]). The meticulous listing of these cities in Chronicles underscores God's precise and faithful provision for His people, ensuring each tribe received its designated portion.
2. **Echo of "Generations" and Covenant Continuity:** The name "Tôlad" (posterity/generations) subtly yet profoundly connects this physical location to the overarching biblical theme of God working through generations. Even a seemingly minor town bears a name that points to the continuous unfolding of God's plan through successive generations, from Abraham to the establishment of Israel in the land. This reinforces the idea that God's promises are not for a single individual but for their "posterity."
3. **Theological Importance of Lineage:** The root `{{H3205}}` and its derivative `{{H8435}}` are central to the biblical narrative, especially in tracing the lineage leading to the Messiah. While Tôlad is a place, its name serves as a linguistic echo of this crucial theological emphasis on the divinely ordained flow of history through specific families and generations. It reminds us that even geographical markers can carry subtle reminders of God's enduring covenant with His chosen "posterity."
### Summary
H8434 (תּוֹלָד, *Tôwlâd*) is a Hebrew term derived from `{{H3205}}` (יָלַד, "to bear, beget"), etymologically meaning "posterity" or "generations." However, in its sole biblical occurrence in [[1 Chronicles 4:29]], it functions as a proper noun, designating a specific city within the tribal inheritance of Simeon. This place is also known as `{{H432}}` (Eltolad) in other biblical passages. While its direct textual usage is limited to a geographical reference, its name subtly connects to the profound biblical theme of "generations" (`{{H8435}}`) and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises of land and descendants. Thus, Tôlad, though a minor place, stands as a testament to God's meticulous care in establishing His people and fulfilling His word across generations.
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