אֲבִידָע (a.vi.da)
a.vi.da
Abida
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Abida is a proper name found in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles, identifying him as one of the sons of Midian and grandson of Abraham through Keturah. The Hebrew form means "my father knows," reflecting a common naming pattern that acknowledges paternal lineage or divine knowledge within the family structure.
He appears alongside his brothers Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, and Eldaah in lists that trace the descendants of Abraham’s later wife after Sarah’s death. These records serve to map the tribal connections of the Midianites, situating Abida within a broader historical and familial context rather than highlighting individual deeds.
The name itself offers a glimpse into how ancient Israelites viewed identity and memory. By embedding "father" and "knows" into his name, the text preserves a sense of continuity and recognition across generations, linking the Midianite line directly to the patriarchal narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Abida appears in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles as one of the sons of Midian, born to Abraham through his later wife, Keturah. His name, meaning "my father knows," reflects a cultural practice of embedding identity and recognition into personal names. This detail highlights how ancient families valued lineage and memory, preserving their connection to patriarchal roots across generations.
For modern readers, Abida’s inclusion in Scripture reminds us that God’s story encompasses many lines and peoples. While he does not perform notable deeds, his presence in the biblical record underscores the importance of family history and the continuity of faith within broader communities. It invites reflection on how our own identities are shaped by those who came before us.
Ultimately, Abida’s name serves as a quiet witness to the value of remembrance and belonging. In tracing these connections, we see how God weaves individual lives into a larger narrative that spans time and culture.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Abida2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/אֲבִידָ֖ע2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 25:4
The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
This verse lists Abida among the sons of Midian, establishing his place in Abraham’s extended family through Keturah.
-
I Chronicles 1:33
The sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the sons of Keturah.
The Chronicler repeats this list, reinforcing the historical continuity of Midianite descendants within Israel’s broader ancestral records.