### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H8435}}` (תּוֹלְדָה, *tôwlᵉdâh*), also rendered as תֹּלְדָה, is derived from the verbal root `{{H3205}}` (יָלַד, *yalad*), meaning "to bear," "to bring forth," or "to beget." As a feminine noun, it appears exclusively in the plural form (תּוֹלְדֹת, *tôwlᵉdôt*). Its core meaning encompasses the concepts of "generations," "descendants," "lineage," or "genealogy." Beyond mere biological descent, its semantic range extends to denote the "account" or "history" associated with these generations, encompassing their origins, development, and significant events. Thus, tôwlᵉdâh can refer to a list of descendants, the story of a family, or even the historical narrative of a created order.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H8435}}` is most famously and significantly employed in the book of Genesis, where it serves as a primary structural marker. The repeated phrase "These are the generations of..." (אֵלֶּה תּוֹלְדֹת) introduces major sections of the book, delineating the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific lineages and historical periods.
Key occurrences in Genesis include:
* [[Genesis 2:4]]: "These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created..." Here, tôwlᵉdâh refers to the "account" or "history" of the cosmos, marking the transition from the six days of creation to the subsequent narrative.
* [[Genesis 5:1]]: "This is the book of the generations of Adam..." This introduces the genealogy from Adam to Noah, emphasizing the continuity of humanity after the Fall.
* [[Genesis 6:9]]: "These are the generations of Noah..." This phrase precedes the account of Noah's family and the Flood, highlighting Noah's righteousness in a corrupt world.
* [[Genesis 10:1]]: "Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth..." This introduces the Table of Nations, detailing the spread of humanity after the Flood.
* [[Genesis 11:10]]: "These are the generations of Shem..."
* [[Genesis 11:27]]: "Now these are the generations of Terah..." (leading to Abraham)
* [[Genesis 25:12]]: "These are the generations of Ishmael..."
* [[Genesis 25:19]]: "These are the generations of Isaac, Abraham's son..." (a pivotal point for the chosen line)
* [[Genesis 36:1]], [[Genesis 36:9]]: "These are the generations of Esau..."
* [[Genesis 37:2]]: "These are the generations of Jacob..." (introducing the Joseph narrative)
Outside of Genesis, `{{H8435}}` appears less frequently but retains its meaning related to lineage and historical record, as seen in [[Numbers 3:1]] (generations of Aaron and Moses), [[Ruth 4:18]] (generations of Perez, leading to David), and various passages in 1 Chronicles ([[1 Chronicles 1:29]], [[1 Chronicles 7:2]], [[1 Chronicles 9:1]]), which are largely genealogical. In essence, tôwlᵉdâh acts as a literary and theological bridge, connecting various segments of biblical history and emphasizing the unfolding of God's purposes through specific family lines.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H8435}}` is its root verb `{{H3205}}` (יָלַד, *yalad*), which fundamentally means "to beget" or "to give birth." This direct etymological link reinforces the core meaning of tôwlᵉdâh as pertaining to what is "begotten" or "brought forth." Other related Hebrew words include `{{H3206}}` (יֶלֶד, *yeled*), meaning "child" or "boy," and `{{H3211}}` (יַלּוּד, *yallûd*), meaning "born."
Conceptually, tôwlᵉdâh is closely tied to:
* **Genealogies (סֵפֶר יוּחֲסִים, *sepher yuchasim*):** The very essence of tôwlᵉdâh involves the recording and tracing of family lines, which are foundational to biblical narrative.
* **Covenant (בְּרִית, *berît*):** The tôwlᵉdâh sections often precede or follow significant covenantal moments, demonstrating how God's promises (e.g., to Abraham regarding numerous descendants and land) are actualized through the continuity of specific lineages.
* **History (דְּבָרִים, *devarim* or תּוֹלְדוֹת, *toledot* in a broader sense):** While `{{H1755}}` (דּוֹר, *dor*) refers to a temporal "generation" or "age," tôwlᵉdâh speaks more to the "history" or "account" of a lineage's development and its place within the larger divine narrative.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8435}}` is profound, particularly in Genesis, where it serves as a key to understanding God's orderly unfolding of redemptive history.
1. **Divine Order and Continuity:** The recurring tôwlᵉdâh formula underscores that history is not random but divinely orchestrated. God is actively involved in the progression of generations, ensuring the preservation of a chosen line through whom His purposes will be realized.
2. **Emphasis on Lineage and Promise:** The genealogies introduced by tôwlᵉdâh are not mere lists; they meticulously trace the line of promise from Adam, through Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This highlights God's faithfulness in maintaining the covenant line that would ultimately lead to the nation of Israel and, ultimately, to the Messiah. The focus is on the continuity of the covenant people and the fulfillment of divine promises through specific descendants.
3. **Foundation of Redemptive History:** By connecting the "generations of the heavens and the earth" to the "generations of Adam" and subsequent patriarchs, tôwlᵉdâh provides the structural backbone for salvation history. It demonstrates how creation, the fall, the call of Abraham, and the formation of Israel are all interconnected parts of a singular, divinely directed narrative culminating in Christ.
4. **Humanity's Story within God's Story:** While detailing human descent and historical events, tôwlᵉdâh consistently frames these within the larger context of God's sovereign interaction with humanity. It shows that the Creator God is also the God of generations, intimately involved in the lives and destinies of individuals and families.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun `{{H8435}}` (תּוֹלְדָה, *tôwlᵉdâh*), derived from `{{H3205}}` (יָלַד, *yalad*, "to beget"), primarily signifies "generations," "descendants," or "lineage." Its most prominent usage, particularly in the book of Genesis, functions as a critical literary and theological marker, introducing the "account" or "history" of various individuals, families, and even the cosmos. This "toledot formula" underscores God's orderly progression of history, His faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through specific family lines. It serves as a foundational concept for understanding biblical genealogies, the continuity of God's covenant promises, and the overarching narrative of salvation history from creation to the patriarchs, pointing ultimately towards the Messiah.
TRV