Lud
“Derivation unknown”
Summary
A son of Shem and ancestor of the Ludim people, traditionally identified with the Lydians of Asia Minor.
☩Genealogy
Lud appears as the fourth son of Shem in Genesis 10:22 and 1 Chronicles 1:17. According to Josephus and most ancient interpreters, Lud's descendants were the Lydians of western Asia Minor. The Greek mythical founder of Lydia, Lydus, may preserve the same tradition. A separate Hamitic 'Ludim' descended from Mizraim (Egypt) is mentioned in Genesis 10:13, representing an African people distinct from the Semitic Lud.
☩Prophetic References
In prophetic texts, Lud appears among warriors skilled with the bow serving as mercenaries for Tyre and Egypt (Ezekiel 27:10; 30:5; Jeremiah 46:9). Isaiah 66:19 lists Lud among distant nations to whom God's glory will be declared. These references suggest a people renowned for military prowess, particularly archery, though the exact identification remains debated among scholars.
Related Verses4 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Lud," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Lud; Ludim," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).