אֵחִי (e.chi)
e.chi
Ehi
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ehi, or אֵחִי, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in Genesis 46:21 as one of the ten sons of Benjamin who moved to Egypt with Jacob’s family. It is a proper noun identifying a specific individual within the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin.
Etymologically, the name derives from the Hebrew word for "brother," carrying the meaning "my brother." This linguistic root highlights the familial bonds central to the narrative, though the text itself does not elaborate on Ehi’s personal character or deeds beyond his lineage.
The Chronicler provides a parallel account in 1 Chronicles 8:1, where this same individual is listed under the variant name Aharah. This variation illustrates how names were sometimes adapted or recorded differently across biblical traditions, yet both references point to the same ancestor within the Benjaminite clan.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ehi appears in Genesis 46:21 as one of Benjamin’s ten sons who journeyed to Egypt with Jacob. Meaning "my brother," this simple title reflects the deep familial bonds that held the patriarchal family together during a time of great upheaval. It reminds us that our identity is often rooted in our relationships and our place within a larger community.
Though Ehi’s personal story is not detailed, his inclusion in the genealogy shows that every member of Jacob’s lineage mattered to God’s plan. Even those whose names are listed briefly are part of the foundation for future generations. This offers comfort, knowing that no one is overlooked in God’s record.
When we feel small or unnoticed, we can remember Ehi. His name signifies connection and kinship. In Christ, we too are bound together as brothers and sisters, each valued by God regardless of how much the world sees us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ehi1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֵחִ֣י1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 46:21
The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.
This verse lists Ehi among Benjamin's sons, anchoring his identity within the specific genealogy of the tribe moving to Egypt.