וָלָד (va.lad)
va.lad
child
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun valad refers simply to a child or offspring. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Genesis 11:30. In this verse, the text notes that Abram’s wife Sarai was barren and had no children.
Because the word is so rare, it carries the weight of its single occurrence. The source highlights that it denotes a generic offspring or child, without specifying gender or age. Its presence in the narrative underscores the central tension of the story: the promise of descendants stands against the reality of infertility.
This scarcity makes the term significant for understanding the specific situation of Abram and Sarai. It is not used as a common descriptor but as a factual statement about their lack of progeny at that time. The word points directly to the human need for a child, setting the stage for the divine intervention that follows.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word valad simply means a child or offspring. In the Old Testament, it appears only once, in Genesis 11:30. Here, the text states that Sarai was barren and had no child. This single usage highlights a deep human longing for family and the pain of infertility.
For readers today, this word reminds us that God sees our deepest needs. Even when circumstances seem impossible, like Sarai’s situation, God’s promises remain steady. The absence of a child in the text sets the stage for divine intervention, showing that hope often arises from places of lack.
We can find comfort in knowing that God values every person and family. Whether we are waiting for a child or reflecting on our own journey, this word points to the reality that life is a gift from God. It invites us to trust in His timing and care during seasons of uncertainty.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a child1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וָלָֽד\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 11:30
Sarai was barren. She had no child.
This verse uses valad to state the factual absence of offspring in Sarai’s life, establishing the narrative tension for God's future promise.