Who was Elihud?
Elihud is a minor figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Found in Matthew 1:14, Elihud is one of the ancestors of Jesus through the legal line of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Though little is known about his life beyond his place in the lineage, his mention in Scripture holds significance within the broader redemptive narrative of the Bible.
The name Elihud (Greek: Ἐλιοὺδ, Elioud; possibly derived from the Hebrew Elīhûd, אֱלִיהוּד) means “God is Majesty” or “God is Glory.” This name combines El (God) and hod (majesty, splendor), conveying a strong theocentric declaration of divine honor and greatness.
Biblical Reference
- Matthew 1:14 (NIV): “Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Elihud.”
Elihud is one of several names mentioned only in Matthew’s genealogical account. He is part of the post-exilic generations leading up to the birth of Christ, during a period of relative silence in biblical history—between the Old and New Testaments.
Genealogical Significance
Elihud stands in a portion of the genealogy often overlooked because of the scarcity of additional scriptural information. Yet, his inclusion is a testimony to God’s providential oversight of history. Each name in Matthew’s genealogy contributes to the structured presentation of Jesus as the promised Messiah, the son of David, and the son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1).
Elihud belongs to the legal genealogy of Jesus, tracing Jesus’ legal right to the throne of David through Joseph. While Joseph was not Jesus’ biological father, his role as Jesus’ earthly guardian fulfilled the legal framework necessary for messianic fulfillment under Jewish law.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
Though Elihud is not given a narrative of his own, his presence in the genealogy of Christ underscores several important truths for modern believers:
- God Works Through the Unknown: Many names in Jesus’ lineage are otherwise unknown in Scripture. Yet, God chose each one as part of His sovereign plan. This reminds believers today that their faithfulness matters even if they are never publicly recognized.
- Faithfulness in Generations: Elihud represents one link in a long chain of God’s covenantal faithfulness. The Lord does not forget His promises. Christians today can trust that God is working across generations, not just in immediate results.
- God’s Grace and Majesty: The meaning of Elihud’s name, “God is Majesty,” is a reminder to worship and revere the sovereign Lord. Even amid obscure or silent times in history, God’s majesty remains intact and His purposes move forward.
Connection to Jesus and the Gospel
The entire genealogy in Matthew is framed to show Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and promise. Elihud, though unknown beyond this verse, is a crucial part of the unfolding gospel story. His inclusion points forward to Jesus Christ, the true King and Redeemer, whose coming was long anticipated.
Matthew’s careful listing of names shows the continuity between the old covenant and the new. Jesus did not arrive in a vacuum—He came through real people, real families, and real histories. The gospel is rooted in human history, and each name like Elihud bridges the story of God’s promises from Abraham to Christ.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. The Faithfulness of God Across Generations
From Abraham to David, from exile to the Messiah, the genealogy shows that God keeps His covenant. Elihud is part of the lineage that fulfills the promise to David (2 Samuel 7:12–16) and ultimately to Abraham (Genesis 12:3).
2. The Value of Every Person in God’s Plan
Even those without recorded achievements or stories—like Elihud—have a role in God’s redemptive work. The kingdom of God is built not just by heroes of the faith, but by generations of ordinary, faithful individuals.
3. God’s Sovereignty in Human History
The genealogy, including Elihud’s name, illustrates how God orchestrates human history for His purposes. This extends to the birth of the Savior at exactly the right time (Galatians 4:4).
4. Preparation for the Coming of Christ
The generations listed in Matthew prepared the way for the arrival of Jesus. Elihud was part of a transitional period leading to the incarnation, showing that even in spiritual silence, God was working.
Reflection Questions
- How does the inclusion of lesser-known individuals like Elihud encourage your view of God’s faithfulness?
- In what ways can you be faithful in your generation, even without public recognition?
- How does understanding the genealogy of Jesus help strengthen your confidence in the reliability of Scripture?
- What does the meaning of Elihud’s name—“God is Majesty”—reveal about the character of God?
- How does Elihud’s quiet presence in Jesus’ lineage challenge our ideas of what it means to live a life that matters?
Elihud reminds us that every name matters in God’s book. Though history may forget, God never does. In Christ, the obscure are given eternal significance.