אֲחִיטוּב (a.chi.tuv)
a.chi.tuv
Ahitub
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ahitub, meaning "my brother is good," appears ten times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within genealogical records connecting key priestly figures. It identifies a grandson of Eli and the father of Ahimelech, situating him at a critical juncture in Israel’s monarchical history. The sources place him firmly in the era of the United Monarchy, linking the old priestly line of Eli to the rise of Zadok.
His significance lies not in personal narrative but in lineage. He bridges the gap between the judges' period and the established priesthood under David. While his brother Ichabod’s name signals departure, Ahitub’s name affirms stability. This contrast highlights how God preserved priestly continuity even when individual members failed. The text uses his name to trace the sacred thread from Eli through Ahimelech to Zadok, ensuring the legitimacy of the Aaronic line remained unbroken.
Translators consistently render this proper noun without variation, preserving its identity across Samuel and Chronicles. The repetition of his name in Nehemiah’s list serves as a reminder of ancestral fidelity. It stands as a quiet testament to the importance of family lines in maintaining religious order. The word itself carries no active verb force; it simply marks a person who held a vital place in Israel’s spiritual heritage.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Ahitub is not a name attached to dramatic deeds or famous speeches. It appears in lists of ancestors, marking a quiet link between generations. In Hebrew, it means 'my brother is good.' This simple phrase suggests that character and family loyalty matter just as much as public achievement. God often works through ordinary people who faithfully pass on their faith to those who come after them.
When we read these genealogies, we see how the priesthood remained intact despite political turmoil and personal failures elsewhere in Israel’s history. Ahitub stands between Eli and Zadok, ensuring the line continued. This reminds us that our own lives are part of a larger story. We may not be famous, but our faithfulness contributes to something lasting.
For your daily walk, this word invites you to value consistency over spectacle. You do not need grand gestures to serve God well. Being reliable in your family and community honors Him just as much. Trust that He sees the quiet work of keeping faith alive across generations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ahitub10×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲחִיט֛וּב2×
- אֲחִיט֔וּב2×
- אֲחִיטֽוּב\׃1×
- אֲחִיט֜וּב1×
- אֲחִיט֑וּב1×
- אֲחִטֽוּב\׃1×
- אֲחִט֡וּב1×
- אֲחִט֔וּב1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 14:3
including Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of Yahweh in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. The people didn’t know that Jonathan was gone.
This verse establishes Ahitub’s place in the priestly line by identifying his grandson Ahijah, showing how God preserved leadership even during Israel’s early struggles.
-
I Samuel 22:9
Then Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, answered and said, “I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.
Here Doeg mentions Ahitub to identify Ahimelech, highlighting how family lineage was essential for recognizing priestly authority in times of crisis.
-
II Samuel 8:17
Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, Seraiah was scribe,
Zadok is called the son of Ahitub here, linking the Davidic monarchy directly to this ancestral line and confirming the continuity of the Aaronic priesthood.
-
I Chronicles 9:11
and Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of God’s house;
This genealogy traces Azariah back through Zadok to Ahitub, emphasizing the importance of remembering ancestors to maintain spiritual order in the restored community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ahitub mean?
Who was Ahitub in the Bible?
Why is Ahitub mentioned in Chronicles but not in narrative stories?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 5 books)
I Samuel 5 verses
including Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of Yahweh in…
I Samuel 22:9Then Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, answered and said, “I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to…
I Samuel 22:11Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father’s house, the priests who were in…
I Samuel 22:12Saul said, “Hear now, you son of Ahitub.” He answered, “Here I am, my lord.”
I Samuel 22:20One of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David.