אֵהוּד (e.hud)

e.hud

Ehud

H0164 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 8 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 8 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Ehud, meaning "undivided" or "union," identifies two distinct figures in the Hebrew Bible, both from the tribe of Benjamin. The most prominent is the judge who delivered Israel from Moabite oppression, recorded in Judges 3:15–30. His story highlights a moment of political liberation and military cunning, marking him as a key leader during the period before the monarchy.

A second man named Ehud appears in 1 Chronicles 8:6 as the son of Bilhan. This genealogical mention connects him to the broader family lines of Benjamin but lacks the narrative weight of his namesake. The repetition of the name within one tribe underscores its significance, though the biblical text treats the judge and the chronicler’s relative as separate individuals with no stated familial link.

Translators consistently render this proper noun as "Ehud," preserving its phonetic identity across English versions. While the name’s etymology suggests unity, the judge’s historical role was defined by conflict and separation from oppressors. The chronicler’s brief reference serves primarily to document lineage rather than theological meaning, showing how names function differently in narrative history versus genealogical records.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Ehud carries a meaning of unity or undividedness, yet its most famous bearer is known for a moment of sharp division. In Judges 3, Ehud acts as a deliverer, freeing Israel from Moabite oppression through a daring act of courage. This story reminds us that God often uses unexpected people and methods to bring about justice and relief for His people.

While the narrative focuses on military liberation, the name itself points toward a deeper hope: the desire for wholeness and freedom from bondage. Whether we face political oppression or personal struggles, the account of Ehud shows that God hears the cry of His people and raises up help when needed.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Ehud5×
and/ Ehud4×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

וְ/אֵה֥וּד1×
וְ/אֵה֤וּד1×
וְ/אֵה֣וּד\׀1×
וְ/אֵה֖וּד1×
אֵהוּד֙1×
אֵה֤וּד1×
אֵה֜וּד1×
אֵה֖וּד1×
אֵה֔וּד1×

Key Verses

Judges 3:15
But when the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised up a savior for them: Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man. The children of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab.

This verse introduces Ehud as the specific instrument God chose to answer Israel's cry for a savior.
Judges 3:20
Ehud came to him; and he was sitting by himself alone in the cool upper room. Ehud said, “I have a message from God to you.” He arose out of his seat.

Ehud’s claim of having a message from God serves as the strategic opening that allows him to act.
Judges 3:26
Ehud escaped while they waited, passed beyond the stone idols, and escaped to Seirah.

His successful escape marks the turning point where deliverance moves from plan to reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Ehud mean?

The name Ehud is generally understood to mean 'undivided' or 'union.' It appears in two distinct contexts in the Hebrew Bible, referring first to a judge who delivered Israel and later to a member of the tribe of Benjamin in a genealogical list.

Is Ehud mentioned more than once in the Bible?

Yes, the name appears eight times. The primary narrative focuses on Ehud the judge in Judges 3:15–30, while a second individual named Ehud is listed as a son of Bilhan in 1 Chronicles 7:10. These are treated as separate individuals with no stated familial connection.

Why is Ehud called left-handed?

The text specifies he was left-handed to explain how he concealed his sword on his right thigh, which would be less expected by guards and the king. This physical detail was crucial to the strategy of his mission against Eglon.

Every Occurrence (8 verses across 2 books)

Judges 7 verses

Judges 3:15

But when the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised up a savior for them: Ehud the son of Gera, the…

Judges 3:16

Ehud made himself a sword which had two edges, a cubit in length; and he wore it under his clothing on his right thigh.

Judges 3:20

Ehud came to him; and he was sitting by himself alone in the cool upper room. Ehud said, “I have a message from God to…

Judges 3:21

Ehud put out his left hand, and took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his body.

Judges 3:23

Then Ehud went out onto the porch, and shut the doors of the upper room on him, and locked them.

Judges 3:26

Ehud escaped while they waited, passed beyond the stone idols, and escaped to Seirah.

Judges 4:1

The children of Israel again did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, when Ehud was dead.

I Chronicles 1 verse