אֲחִי (a.chi)
a.chi
Ahi
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ahi, meaning "my brother," appears only twice in Scripture, both within the genealogical records of First Chronicles. It identifies two distinct men from different tribal lineages: a Gadite who was the son of Abdiel (1 Chronicles 5:15), and an Asherite who was the son of Shomer (1 Chronicles 7:34). In these contexts, the name functions as a personal identifier rather than a descriptive title.
Etymologically, Ahi is a shortened form of names like Ahijah or Jehoahid, which incorporate the divine element Yahweh. While the full forms explicitly reference God, this abbreviated version focuses solely on the familial bond. Its rare usage suggests it was likely a common personal name in ancient Israel, chosen to emphasize kinship and loyalty within the tribe.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ahi carries the simple, profound meaning of "my brother." Found only in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, it reminds us that identity in Scripture is deeply rooted in community and lineage. These brief mentions are not empty data points but affirmations that every person belongs to a family and a larger story.
When we read about Ahi, son of Abdiel or son of Shomer, we see the value God places on individual names within His people. This word invites us to consider our own connections—to our families, our church community, and ultimately to Christ, who calls us brothers and sisters in faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ahi2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲחִי֙1×
- אֲחִ֥י1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 5:15
Ahi the son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, chief of their fathers’ houses.
This verse identifies Ahi as a Gadite leader, showing how the name marks someone within a specific tribal heritage and role.
-
I Chronicles 7:34
The sons of Shemer: Ahi, Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram.
Here Ahi appears among the sons of Shemer, highlighting his place in the Asherite lineage and the continuity of family records.