אַחְזַי (ach.zay)
ach.zay
Ahzai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Ahzai is a personal name appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in Nehemiah 11:13 as a priest living in Jerusalem after the return from exile. The name identifies him as a descendant of Meshillemith and father of Jahzerah, placing him within the Levitical lineage responsible for temple service during the post-exilic period.
The meaning "my holder" or "protector" reflects a common pattern in Hebrew names that invoke divine care or stability. While the name appears here as a distinct individual, some sources note it may be an alternative form for Meshullam, suggesting a connection to another prominent priestly figure. This single mention highlights the importance of tracing family lines to restore proper worship and community structure in restored Jerusalem.
As a rare name with only one biblical occurrence, Ahzai serves as a reminder of the many unnamed individuals who contributed to rebuilding Israel's spiritual life after the exile. His inclusion in Nehemiah's list underscores the value placed on genealogical accuracy and priestly continuity in maintaining covenant faithfulness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ahzai appears in Nehemiah 11:13 as part of a genealogical record for priests returning from exile. This list was not merely administrative but served to establish who had the right to serve in the restored temple. By tracing his lineage back through Meshillemith and Immer, the text highlights how important family heritage was for maintaining religious order in Jerusalem.
For us today, this passage reminds us that God values every person in His community, even those mentioned only briefly in ancient records. It encourages believers to appreciate their place within the broader body of Christ and to honor the spiritual heritage passed down through generations. Just as these priests preserved their identity for worship, we are called to remain faithful in our own roles.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ahzai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַחְזַ֥י1×
Key Verses
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Nehemiah 11:13
and his brothers, chiefs of fathers’ households, two hundred forty-two; and Amashsai the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,
This verse places Ahzai within the priestly lineage of Immer, showing how genealogical records were used to verify temple service eligibility after the exile.