אֲבִיהוּא (a.vi.hu)
a.vi.hu
Abihu
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Abihu, whose name means "he is my father," was one of the four sons of Aaron and Elisheba, born into the priestly line during the Exodus era. He appears alongside his brothers Nadab, Eleazar, and Ithamar in genealogical records that establish the lineage of Israel’s first high priests (Exodus 6:23). The name itself reflects a personal dedication to God, acknowledging Him as the source of familial identity.
His story is brief but significant, recorded primarily in the books of Exodus and Leviticus. Along with Nadab, Abihu offered "strange fire" before the Lord, an act that resulted in their immediate death by divine judgment (Leviticus 10:1-2). This event serves as a stark warning about the seriousness of approaching God with improper worship practices, highlighting the holiness required in priestly service.
The narrative of Abihu underscores the gravity of religious duty and the consequences of disregarding divine instructions. It is a somber reminder that proximity to God demands reverence and obedience, not just ritual performance. His inclusion in the biblical text serves as a historical marker for the establishment of strict priestly protocols.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Abihu means "he is my father," a simple declaration that points to God as the source of life and identity. In the biblical narrative, he appears alongside his brothers Nadab, Eleazar, and Ithamar as part of Aaron’s household. These names are not just historical labels; they remind us that our spiritual heritage is rooted in who God is to us. The text records these family lines to show the order and structure God established for Israel’s worship.
However, Abihu’s story also carries a sobering weight. Along with Nadab, he offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, an act that resulted in immediate judgment. This event highlights the seriousness of approaching God. It is not enough to be close to Him or to hold a position of service; we must follow His instructions with reverence and obedience. The narrative serves as a reminder that holiness requires careful attention to how we relate to the Divine.
For believers today, this passage invites reflection on our own worship. It encourages us to examine whether our practices align with God’s revealed word. Proximity to God is a privilege, but it demands humility and respect for His commands. The story of Abihu stands as a historical marker for the gravity of religious duty, urging us to honor God with both our hearts and our actions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Abihu9×
- Abihu2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/אֲבִיה֔וּא3×
- וַ/אֲבִיהוּא֙1×
- וַ/אֲבִיה֣וּא1×
- וַ/אֲבִיה֜וּא1×
- וַ/אֲבִיה֛וּא1×
- וַ/אֲבִיה֕וּא1×
- וַ/אֲבִיה֑וּא1×
- אֲבִיה֔וּא1×
- אֲבִיה֑וּא1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 10:1
Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer, and put fire in it, and laid incense on it, and offered strange fire before Yahweh, which he had not commanded them.
This verse records the critical moment when Abihu offered strange fire, directly illustrating the consequence of disregarding divine instructions in worship.
-
Exodus 6:23
Aaron took Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, as his wife; and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
This genealogical entry establishes Abihu’s identity within Aaron’s family, showing his place in the priestly lineage from the very beginning.
-
Numbers 3:4
Nadab and Abihu died before Yahweh when they offered strange fire before Yahweh in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the presence of Aaron their father.
This passage confirms Abihu’s death and notes that he had no children, explaining why the priestly line continued through Eleazar and Ithamar instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Abihu mean?
Why did Abihu die?
Who were Abihu's brothers?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 4 books)
Exodus 4 verses
Aaron took Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, as his wife; and she bore him Nadab and Abihu,…
Exodus 24:1He said to Moses, “Come up to Yahweh, you, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and…
Exodus 24:9Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up.
Exodus 28:1“Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel, that he may minister…