אֵחוּד (e.chud)
e.chud
Ehud
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name אֵחוּד, rendered in English as Ehud, carries the meaning of "unity" or "union." It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 8:6. In this context, it serves as an alternative spelling for the more common form אֵהוּד (H0164), which is famously associated with the judge who delivered Israel from Moabite oppression.
While the name itself suggests cohesion, its biblical usage here is strictly familial rather than narrative. The Chronicler lists this Ehud as a descendant of Benjamin, connecting him to the tribe’s lineage through his father Gera. This single occurrence highlights how personal names in these records often function as markers of clan identity and tribal continuity during the pre-monarchic period.
Etymologically, the word derives from a root implying joining or gathering. Although the name is shared with the significant judge found in the Book of Judges, this specific entry in Chronicles focuses on ancestry. It reminds readers that behind the major figures of Israel’s history were extensive family networks that preserved their heritage through careful record-keeping.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ehud appears in a brief genealogical list in 1 Chronicles, marking a specific family line within the tribe of Benjamin. While it shares its root with the famous judge who delivered Israel, this entry focuses on ancestry rather than military action. It reminds us that God’s historical narrative is built upon countless families and individuals whose names are preserved in Scripture.
For your faith, this word highlights the value of heritage and continuity. In a world where connections can feel fleeting, the careful recording of these names shows that every person matters to God. Your own family history and spiritual lineage are part of a larger story that He is weaving together, ensuring that no detail is lost.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ehud1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֵח֑וּד1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 8:6
These are the sons of Ehud. These are the heads of fathers’ households of the inhabitants of Geba, who were carried captive to Manahath:
This verse identifies Ehud as the father of household heads in Geba, illustrating how names served to maintain tribal identity during times of displacement.