Father Figure: Ἀβιούδ (Strong’s G10: Abioud) Carries Divine Legacy

Ἀβιούδ

Pronounced: Ah-bee-HOOD

Strong’s G10: A personal name of Hebrew origin meaning “my father is glory/majesty,” appearing in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus the Messiah. As a patronymic name, it connects to Jewish naming traditions that honored paternal lineage and divine attributes, reflecting the cultural importance of family heritage in Biblical times.

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U – Unveiling this Word

Ἀβιούδ (Abioud) is a significant name in the genealogical record of Jesus the Messiah, combining two Hebrew elements: “abi” (father) and “hud” (glory/majesty). This theophoric name reflects ancient Jewish naming customs where names often carried profound theological significance. The name appears in Matthew’s genealogy, specifically in the post-exilic period, highlighting the continuing faithfulness of God in preserving the Davidic line despite the challenges of exile. The name’s meaning – “my father is glory” or “father of glory” – speaks to the Jewish tradition of honoring both earthly fathers and the Heavenly Father, while also pointing forward to the ultimate glory that would come through the Messiah’s lineage.

N – Necessary Information

  • Greek Word: Ἀβιούδ, Abioud, ah-bee-HOOD
  • Detailed pronunciation: ah (as in father) + bee (as in bee) + HOOD (as in hood)
  • Part of Speech: Proper Noun (Indeclinable)

Etymology:

  • abi- (אבי): Hebrew prefix meaning “my father” or “father of”
  • -ud (הוד): Hebrew element meaning “glory” or “majesty”

D – Defining Meanings

  • Personal name meaning “my father is glory” or “father of glory”
  • Member of Jesus’ genealogical line in Matthew
  • Son of Zorobabel and father of Eliakim

For compound words:
The name combines the Hebrew patronymic element “abi” (father) with “hud” (glory), creating a theophoric name expressing divine attributes

Translation Options:

  • Abiud – Most common transliteration, preserving the original sound
  • Abihud – Alternative transliteration highlighting Hebrew components
  • Father of Glory – Literal meaning translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

  • Ἀβιά (Abia, ah-bee-AH) – Different divine element but similar patronymic structure See G7
  • Ἀβραάμ (Abraham, ab-rah-AM) – Another patriarch name with different etymology See G11

R – Reviewing Morphology

As an indeclinable proper noun, Ἀβιούδ maintains the same form regardless of its grammatical function:

  • Case: No case changes
  • Number: Always singular
  • Gender: Masculine
  • Declension: Indeclinable

The word remains unchanged in all contexts, unlike typical Greek nouns that would change endings based on grammatical function.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicographical sources consistently identify Ἀβιούδ as a personal name of Hebrew origin. BDAG and Thayer’s emphasize its position in Matthew’s genealogy, while Strong’s highlights its Hebrew etymology. The name appears exclusively in Matthew’s gospel, suggesting its particular importance to Jewish readers. LSJ notes its indeclinable nature, typical of Semitic loan words in Greek. Vine’s expands on the theological significance of the name’s meaning, connecting it to the broader theme of divine glory in Scripture. Moulton and Milligan note the rarity of the name outside biblical contexts.

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T – Tracing Related Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 1:13: “And Zorobabel begat [Ἀβιούδ] Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor”

Additional References:
Matthew 1:13 (only occurrence)

A– Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: WorkText
No classical Greek usage foundThe name Ἀβιούδ appears to be exclusive to Biblical Greek
This reflects its Hebrew origin and specific use in the genealogy
The absence in classical texts emphasizes its Jewish heritage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ἀβιούδ stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness in preserving the Messianic line through generations. The name, meaning “father of glory” or “my father is glory,” connects the earthly lineage of Jesus to the divine glory that would be fully revealed in Him. This name appears at a crucial point in Matthew’s genealogy, after the Babylonian exile, demonstrating God’s continued preservation of the Davidic line despite historical challenges. The good news emerges in seeing how God maintained His promises through generations, ultimately bringing forth His Son, Jesus the Messiah, the true glory of the Father.

D – Did You Know?

  • Ἀβιούδ appears in Matthew’s genealogy during the post-exilic period, showing God’s preservation of the Messianic line
  • The name combines two significant Hebrew elements related to family and divine glory
  • It is one of several theophoric names in Jesus’ genealogy that reference divine attributes

Strong’s G10: A personal name of Hebrew origin meaning “my father is glory/majesty,” appearing in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus the Messiah. As a patronymic name, it connects to Jewish naming traditions that honored paternal lineage and divine attributes, reflecting the cultural importance of family heritage in Biblical times.

Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations independently. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.

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