אֲחוֹחִי (a.cho.chi)
a.cho.chi
Ahohite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The term aḥōḥî functions as a gentilic adjective, identifying someone as an "Ahohite," or a descendant of Ahoah. This clan belonged to the tribe of Benjamin and appears in biblical genealogies tracing lineage back to the early Israelite settlement period. The name itself is interpreted by some sources as meaning "brother of rest," though its primary scriptural function is to designate family affiliation rather than describe a personal trait.
References to this group are sparse, appearing in just five verses, primarily within the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles and the list of King David’s mighty warriors in 2 Samuel. In 2 Samuel 23:9, Elhanan is specifically called an Ahohite, linking him to this specific Benjaminite line. The sources note that Ahoah was the son of Bela and brother to several other notable figures, establishing a clear familial network within the tribe.
Because the word occurs so infrequently, it serves as a precise marker for readers interested in tribal structures and David’s military support base. It highlights how biblical narratives often anchor individual heroes within their broader clan identities, preserving the memory of Benjaminite families who played significant roles in Israel’s early monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ahohite identifies a specific family line within the tribe of Benjamin, tracing back to Ahoah, the son of Bela. In the biblical narrative, this gentilic term serves as a precise marker of heritage rather than a description of personal character. It reminds us that individual heroes in Scripture are often anchored within their broader clan identities, preserving the memory of families who played significant roles in Israel’s history.
When we encounter figures like Eleazar or Ilai labeled as Ahohites, we see how God uses ordinary lineage to build extraordinary communities. These men stood with King David during times of conflict, demonstrating that faithfulness is often expressed through loyalty to one’s people and God. Their stories invite us to value our own connections and the support systems that strengthen our walk with Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Ahohite4×
- Ahoah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָֽ/אֲחֹחִ֔י1×
- הָ/אֲחוֹחִי֙1×
- הָ/אֲחוֹחִֽי\׃\ \ס1×
- הָ/אֲחוֹחִ֑י1×
- אֲחֹחִ֑י1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 23:9
After him was Eleazar the son of Dodai the son of an Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel had gone away.
This verse highlights Eleazar, an Ahohite, standing firm against the Philistines when others fled, showing how clan identity was tied to courageous leadership in David’s army.
-
I Chronicles 11:12
After him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighty men.
The parallel account in Chronicles confirms Eleazar’s status as one of the three mighty men, emphasizing his enduring reputation for steadfastness among David’s closest followers.
-
I Chronicles 27:4
Over the division of the second month was Dodai the Ahohite and his division, and Mikloth the ruler; and in his division were twenty-four thousand.
Dodai the Ahohite is listed over a military division of twenty-four thousand, illustrating how Benjaminite families held significant administrative and command roles in Israel’s organized forces.