An Ancestor in the Line of Christ
Abiud is a figure of singular importance in the New Testament as a member of the royal line of King David, bridging the post-exilic period to the time of Jesus Christ. The name Abiud is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Abihud, meaning “father of glory” or “my father is majesty.”
Mention in Scripture
Unlike many Old Testament figures, Abiud is mentioned only once in the King James Version of the Bible, and that is in the New Testament, within the formal genealogy of Jesus Christ recorded by Matthew.
He is placed in the line of ancestors descending from Zerubbabel, the great leader of the Jewish return from Babylonian captivity, and leading directly to Joseph, the husband of Mary.
The Scripture reads:
“And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;” (Matthew 1:13, KJV)
Theological Significance
Abiud’s sole mention establishes his critical role in the continuation of the lineage through which the promised Messiah would come. He is part of the third major section of Matthew’s genealogy, which covers the period from the Babylonian exile to Christ. The inclusion of his name validates the legal and royal claim of Jesus to the throne of David.
While the Old Testament genealogies in 1 Chronicles 3 list other sons of Zerubbabel, the Gospel of Matthew highlights Abiud as the direct descendant through whom the royal line of succession—the legal claim to the covenant promise—was passed. This affirms the fulfillment of prophecy and the faithfulness of God in preserving the royal seed of David, despite the passage of centuries and the disruption of the exile.
Though a figure of obscurity in terms of recorded life events, Abiud’s name is permanently inscribed in the sacred records as a vital link in the chain leading to the Lord’s Return.