Learn more about Eliud

Introduction to Eliud

The name “Eliud” appears in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Though not much is said about Eliud outside of this context, his inclusion in the lineage of the Messiah connects him to the broader narrative of God’s redemptive plan through the house of David. The name "Eliud" is thought to mean "God is my praise" or "God is glorious," combining the Hebrew elements El (God) and a possible root meaning praise or glory. While Eliud does not appear in the Old Testament, his role in the New Testament genealogy is significant in reinforcing the legitimacy of Jesus’ Davidic ancestry.

Eliud Pronunciation

“Eliud” is typically pronounced as EE-lee-uhd or EL-ee-uhd, with the emphasis varying slightly based on regional differences. In Greek, the name is rendered as Ἐλιοὺδ (Elioúd), as found in ancient manuscripts of the Gospel of Matthew.

Eliud in the New Testament

Eliud is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:14-15:

• Matthew 1:14-15: “Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar…”

This passage is part of a structured genealogical list that Matthew uses to trace the lineage of Jesus from Abraham to Joseph, the legal (though not biological) father of Jesus. Eliud is listed during the post-exilic period, after the Babylonian captivity and before the time of Christ. This segment of the genealogy is particularly obscure, as none of these figures—Achim, Eliud, Eleazar—are known from the Old Testament. Their inclusion is based on preserved tradition rather than detailed biblical narrative.

Historical and Biblical Context

The genealogy in Matthew was crafted to present Jesus as the legitimate heir to David’s throne. The structure is stylized into three sets of fourteen generations, and Eliud appears in the final set, which spans from the Babylonian exile to the birth of Jesus. While historical records outside the Bible do not confirm the identities of many in this last set, their presence underscores the continuity of God’s promise through generations, even during the silent centuries between the Old and New Testaments.

Matthew’s inclusion of individuals like Eliud, who are not otherwise known in biblical or historical records, may reflect names preserved in oral tradition or genealogical scrolls maintained by Jewish families. Their presence affirms the link between the covenant with David and the coming of the Messiah.

Related Themes and Meanings to Eliud

• Genealogy of Jesus: The lineage of Jesus is foundational to establishing His messianic credentials, especially in Jewish context where ancestry was tied to tribal identity and covenant promises.
• Post-Exilic Period: Eliud is situated in a time with little biblical narrative, reminding readers that God’s plans continued even when prophetic voices were silent.
• Davidic Lineage: Despite being a lesser-known name, Eliud’s role as an ancestor to Jesus anchors him within the Davidic covenant framework.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Eliud

• The name “Eliud” only appears once in the Bible, solely in Matthew 1, and has no corresponding Old Testament references.
• Because the name does not appear in Jewish historical texts or the Hebrew Bible, some scholars suggest these post-exilic names may have been preserved orally or through family genealogies known to Matthew’s community.
• The genealogy of Matthew is sometimes compared with the genealogy in Luke 3. Interestingly, Eliud does not appear in Luke’s account, which follows a different path after David, possibly reflecting Mary's lineage rather than Joseph's.
• The stylized pattern of Matthew's genealogy (three sets of fourteen generations) may be symbolic, reflecting Hebrew gematria, where the name “David” (דוד) adds up to 14, reinforcing Jesus' Davidic connection.

Conclusion

Though Eliud is a silent figure in the grand drama of Scripture, his inclusion in the genealogy of Christ reminds us that every generation played a part in God’s unfolding plan of redemption. Even obscure names carry the weight of divine promise, connecting the faithful of old to the fulfillment found in Jesus the Messiah.