Brief Overview of Ἐλιούδ (Strong’s G1664: Elioud)

Introduction

Understanding the Greek names mentioned in the New Testament is essential for grasping the full depth of the Biblical narrative. The Greek word Ἐλιούδ (Elioud) is particularly significant as it appears in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Names in genealogies often carry more than just familial connections; they bear historical and theological weight, linking individuals to broader narratives of God’s interaction with humanity. Elioud’s presence in the genealogy underscores the continuity of God’s promises across generations, connecting the Old Testament prophecies with their fulfillment in the New Testament. This overview will explore the meaning and significance of the name Elioud within its Biblical and cultural context.

Key Information:

Greek Word:

• Ἐλιούδ (Elioud) [el-ee-OOD]

Etymology:

• The name Ἐλιούδ is of Hebrew origin, derived from a combination of elements that could be linked to meanings such as “God of majesty” or “God is my praise,” although the exact etymology is not fully clear.

Part of Speech:

• Proper noun (Masculine, indeclinable)

The F.O.G Word Choice:

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Primary Meanings:

• Elioud, a personal name mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus, specifically in Matthew 1:14-15, as an ancestor of Joseph, the husband of Mary.

Similar Words:

• Ἐλιά (Elia) [el-ee-AH]: This name is a variant of Elijah, meaning “My God is Yahweh.” Like Elioud, Elia connects the bearer to a profound relationship with God.
• Ἐλεάζαρ (Eleazar) [el-eh-AH-zar]: Meaning “God has helped,” this name shares a theophoric element with Elioud, emphasizing God’s active role in the lives of His people.

Both Ἐλιούδ and Ἐλιά bear witness to the deep connections between individuals and their relationship with God, as reflected in their names. However, Ἐλιούδ is unique to the genealogy of Jesus, marking its specific place in the Christian narrative.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: Ἐλιούδ is an indeclinable proper noun in Greek, meaning it does not change form regardless of its grammatical case. This is typical for names transliterated from Hebrew into Greek, where the original form is preserved.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG identifies Ἐλιούδ as a proper noun, specifically a name appearing in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. It notes the name’s Hebrew origin and its importance in establishing Jesus’ lineage according to Jewish tradition.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon describes Ἐλιούδ as a personal name of uncertain meaning, appearing in the genealogy of Christ. Thayer’s highlights the significance of genealogical lists in the New Testament, which connect Jesus to the promises made to the patriarchs.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses Ἐλιούδ within the context of Biblical names, noting that while the exact meaning of the name is unclear, its inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus is critical for understanding the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon does not specifically cover Ἐλιούδ, as it is a name of Hebrew origin primarily found in Biblical texts. However, its adaptation into Greek underscores the integration of Hebrew culture into the Greek-speaking world of the New Testament.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists Ἐλιούδ as a proper noun appearing in Matthew 1:14-15, tracing its roots to Hebrew and emphasizing its role in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. The concordance does not provide a specific definition but acknowledges its connection to the broader Biblical narrative.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 1:14-15 – “And Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Elioud (Ἐλιούδ), and Elioud the father of Eleazar.”

Classical Usage:

Given that Ἐλιούδ is a name of Hebrew origin and is specifically used within the context of the New Testament, it does not appear in classical Greek literature. Its usage is confined to Biblical genealogies, where it serves a particular theological purpose.

Summary of Ἐλιούδ (G1664: Elioud):

The Greek name Ἐλιούδ, mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel, plays a significant role in linking Jesus to the lineage of David and the patriarchs, thus fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s descent. Although the exact meaning of the name is uncertain, its presence in the genealogy underscores the importance of familial lines in Biblical tradition. Understanding Ἐλιούδ within its Biblical context helps to illuminate the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and the theological significance of Jesus’ ancestry.

Did You Know?

The genealogies in the Gospels, including the mention of Elioud, were not just records of family history but served a theological purpose. They were designed to show how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies concerning the Messiah, demonstrating His rightful place in the lineage of David, which was crucial for His recognition as the promised Savior in Jewish tradition.