Abihud (often rendered as Abiud in the King James Version of the New Testament) is a name associated with two different individuals in the Bible’s genealogical records. The name itself means “my father is majesty” or “father of renown,” reflecting a sense of honor or greatness.
Abihud in the Line of Christ
The most significant mention of the name is found in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, marking a key link in the royal line of David after the Babylonian Exile.
An Ancestor of Jesus
In the Gospel of Matthew, Abihud is listed as an ancestor of Jesus, establishing his place in the covenant lineage.
“And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;” (Matthew 1:13, KJV)
- Lineage: He was the son of Zorobabel (or Zerubbabel), the important figure who led the first group of Jews back from the Babylonian captivity and was instrumental in rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem.
- Role: As a direct ancestor of Joseph, the husband of Mary, Abihud contributes to the legal right of Jesus to the Davidic throne, fulfilling the prophecies of a Messiah from David’s line. Outside of this listing, nothing else is specifically known about his life or deeds.
Abihud in the Tribe of Benjamin
A different individual with this name appears in the Old Testament as a member of the tribe of Benjamin.
Son of Bela
In the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin, a man named Abihud is listed as the son of Bela.
“And the sons of Bela were, Addar, and Gera, and Abihud,” (1 Chronicles 8:3, KJV)
- Tribe: He was a grandson of Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel).
- Context: This mention occurs within the lengthy and complex tribal genealogies recorded in the book of 1 Chronicles, which were vital for maintaining the identity, inheritance rights, and priestly/levitical duties of the people after the return from exile.
Due to the common nature of biblical names and the separation in time, the Abihud of Matthew’s Gospel (the ancestor of Christ) is distinct from the Abihud listed among the descendants of Benjamin.