Original Word: אֹהַד
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Ohad
Pronunciation: o-had'
Phonetic Spelling: (o'-had)
KJV: Ohad
NASB: Ohad
Word Origin: [from an unused root meaning to be united]

1. unity
2. Ohad, an Israelite

Ohad

From an unused root meaning to be united; unity; Ohad, an Israelite -- Ohad.

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
an Isr.
NASB Translation
Ohad (2).

אֹ֫הַד proper name, masculine son of Simeon Genesis 46:10; Exodus 6:15.

Canonical Context

Ohad appears twice in Scripture, always within genealogical lists (Genesis 46:10; Exodus 6:15). These lists record the sons of Simeon as Israel descends into Egypt and, generations later, as the covenant family prepares for redemption.

Genealogical Placement

As the third-named son of Simeon, Ohad belongs to a founding generation whose names became tribal clan-markers in the census records (Numbers 1:6; Numbers 26:12–14). Even though his clan is not singled out later for military or territorial exploits, its mention testifies that every branch of the covenant family was accounted for before God.

Historical Background

The two passages that name Ohad frame the sojourn in Egypt. Genesis 46:10 introduces him among the seventy persons who migrated with Jacob:

“The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman.”

Roughly four centuries later, Exodus 6:15 repeats the list almost verbatim while Moses receives God’s assurance of deliverance. The identical wording underlines God’s faithful remembrance of promises across generations despite Israel’s enslavement.

Theological Themes

1. Preservation of Covenant Identity

The Spirit’s meticulous recording of lesser-known figures like Ohad underscores that God “is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown” (Hebrews 6:10). Every member of the covenant community, however obscure, is remembered.

2. Unity within Diversity

Simeon’s sons include Jemuel and Jamin (Hebrew-sounding), alongside Shaul, who is explicitly linked to a Canaanite mother. Ohad’s place in this list points to the integrating power of grace: God weaves a diverse family into one people (Ephesians 2:14–19).

3. Continuity of Promise

By echoing the Genesis list in Exodus, Scripture stresses unbroken continuity between patriarchal promises and redemptive fulfillment. Ohad’s silent presence testifies that none of God’s purposes are lost in the passage of time.

Lessons for Ministry

• Value the Hidden Workers: Many servants labor without public notice. Ohad reminds leaders to acknowledge “the parts of the body that seem to be weaker” (1 Corinthians 12:22).
• Teach Covenant Memory: Genealogies nurture confidence that God keeps track of His people. Incorporating lesser-known biblical names in teaching or corporate prayer can strengthen assurance of divine faithfulness.
• Embrace Multi-ethnic Community: Simeon’s line, containing both Israelite and Canaanite ties, foreshadows the church’s call to welcome all who join themselves to the Lord (Isaiah 56:3–8; Acts 15:14).

Intertextual Connections

• Simeon’s Tribe after the Exodus—Although later censuses list only five clans (Numbers 26:12), scholars infer that some Simeonite branches dwindled or merged. Ohad’s clan may have been absorbed, illustrating how God prunes or grafts branches according to His wisdom (Romans 11:17–24).
• Jacob’s Prophecy—In Genesis 49:5–7, Simeon and Levi are rebuked for violence. Ohad’s relative silence contrasts with Levi’s future prominence, reminding readers that prominence or obscurity depends on divine assignment, not human ambition.

Christological Perspective

Genealogical faithfulness culminates in the Messiah’s genealogy (Matthew 1:1–17; Luke 3:23–38). If God guarded even the record of an obscure Simeonite, how much more did He order history to bring forth the promised Seed (Galatians 4:4)! Ohad’s recorded name contributes, however indirectly, to the unbroken chain leading to Christ.

Devotional Reflection

The Spirit who listed Ohad also indwells modern believers, sealing each name “in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27). Let every reader take heart: in God’s economy, no disciple is overlooked, and every name counts.

וְאֹ֖הַד וְאֹ֙הַד֙ ואהד veOhad wə’ōhaḏ wə·’ō·haḏInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts