יְהוּד (ye.hud)
ye.hud
Judah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Yehud refers to Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, whose story begins in Genesis 29:35. He is a pivotal figure in the patriarchal narratives, known for his role in saving Tamar and ensuring the lineage of Perez, an ancestor of King David. This Aramaic form appears primarily in the later books of Ezra and Daniel, reflecting the linguistic shift during the exile period.
While often used as a personal name, Yehud also denotes the territory of the tribe of Judah itself. In post-exilic texts, the distinction between the person and the land blurs, as the region becomes synonymous with the faithful remnant returning from Babylon. The term carries significant weight, linking the ancestral promise to the restored community in Jerusalem.
Its occurrence in Daniel highlights its importance during a time of foreign domination. By using this form, the biblical authors connect the identity of the people directly to their patriarchal roots. The name serves as a reminder of God’s covenant faithfulness across generations, from the days of the fathers to the rebuilding of the temple.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Yehud connects us to a lineage defined by survival and faithfulness. In the Hebrew text, it refers to Judah, the son whose life story moves from personal conflict to pivotal leadership. This form appears in the later biblical books, anchoring the identity of the returned exiles to their ancestral roots. It reminds us that God’s promises endure through generations, even when circumstances seem uncertain.
When the text mentions those in Judah or Jerusalem, it highlights a community rebuilding its life under foreign rule. The name signifies more than geography; it represents a people maintaining their covenant identity. This continuity offers comfort, showing that our spiritual heritage is preserved by God’s steady hand across time and change.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Judah4×
- to/ Judea1×
- [were] in/ Judah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְה֔וּד2×
- לִ/יה֤וּד1×
- יְהֽוּד\׃1×
- יְה֖וּד1×
- בִ/יה֖וּד1×
Key Verses
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Ezra 5:8
Be it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built with great stones and timber is laid in the walls. This work goes on with diligence and prospers in their hands.
This verse uses the term to identify the specific province where the temple construction resumed, linking the physical rebuilding effort directly to the ancestral territory.
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Daniel 2:25
Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said this to him: “I have found a man of the children of the captivity of Judah who will make known to the king the interpretation.”
Here the name identifies Daniel’s origin among the exiles, emphasizing that his wisdom and faithfulness stem from this specific covenant community in Babylon.
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Daniel 5:13
Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judah?
The king explicitly references Daniel as one from Judah, showing how the name served as a recognizable marker of identity and divine favor even in a foreign court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Yehud mean in these verses?
Why is this name important in Daniel?
How does this relate to modern faith?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 3 verses
Now the prophets, Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and…
Ezra 5:8Be it known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built…
Ezra 7:14Because you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the…