אַח (ach)
ach
brother
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The word ach functions as the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew ach, meaning brother or male sibling. It appears only once in the provided biblical record, located in Ezra 7:18. In this specific context, it identifies a familial relationship within the community returning from exile.
Its presence highlights the linguistic shift occurring during the post-exilic period, where Aramaic became the common language of administration and daily life for Jews in Judea. The term carries the same weight as its Hebrew counterpart, emphasizing kinship and shared identity among the people of God.
Translators render it simply as "brother," preserving the directness of the original text. This single occurrence serves as a linguistic marker of the era, showing how the language of the empire was adopted by the community while retaining its core relational meanings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ach reminds us that faith is rarely a solitary journey. In Ezra 7:18, the text uses this term to describe the shared responsibility among those returning from exile. It was not just about individual obedience but about collective action with one’s kin.
When you face difficult decisions or heavy burdens, remember that God often places you within a community. You are not meant to carry everything alone. The call to act together reflects a deeper truth: we are designed for connection and mutual support in our spiritual walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- brothers/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֶחָ֜/ךְ1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 7:18
Whatever seems good to you and to your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do that according to the will of your God.
This verse highlights the communal decision-making process, where leaders consult with their brothers to determine how to use resources for God's will.