אֲחִימַ֫עַץ (a.chi.ma.ats)
a.chi.ma.ats
Ahimaaz
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ahimaaz, meaning "my brother is anger," appears twelve times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the narratives of the United Monarchy. It identifies three distinct men who share this title, reflecting a common naming convention where personal names often conveyed emotional states or theological declarations about God’s character.
The most prominent figure bearing this name is the son of Zadok the priest. He served as an important intelligence agent for King David during Absalom’s rebellion, risking his life to bring news from Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:27; 17:17). His quick movements and loyalty highlight the critical role of messengers in biblical political struggles.
Other individuals with this name include a father-in-law of Saul mentioned briefly in 1 Samuel 14:50, and a supply officer under Solomon recorded in 1 Kings 4:18. While they play minor roles, their presence shows how the name persisted across different social strata and generations during 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 Ahimaaz appears in Scripture attached to several different men, yet one figure stands out for his quiet courage: the son of Zadok the priest. During Absalom’s rebellion, he and Jonathan risked their lives to carry vital intelligence to King David from Jerusalem. Their story reminds us that faithfulness often looks like showing up when it is dangerous or inconvenient.
When the battle ended, Ahimaaz rushed to share the news of victory with such eagerness that he outran another messenger. While his heart was set on bringing good tidings, he hesitated to ask about Absalom, perhaps sensing the king’s deep sorrow. This moment invites us to consider how we deliver difficult truths. Sometimes, the most loving thing is to let the weight of the situation settle before speaking.
Ultimately, this name points to the value of loyal companionship in times of crisis. Whether serving as a spy, a relative, or an official, those named Ahimaaz played roles that kept communities connected and informed. We too are called to be reliable witnesses, bringing hope and truth to those who need it most.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ahimaaz8×
- and/ Ahimaaz3×
- [are] Ahimaaz1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲחִימַ֣עַץ2×
- אֲחִימַ֙עַץ֙2×
- וַ/אֲחִימַ֨עַץ1×
- וַ/אֲחִימַ֤עַץ1×
- וַ/אֲחִימַ֜עַץ1×
- אֲחִימָ֑עַץ1×
- אֲחִימַ֤עַץ1×
- אֲחִימַ֡עַץ1×
- אֲחִימַ֗עַץ1×
- אֲחִימַ֖עַץ1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 17:17
Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying by En Rogel; and a female servant used to go and report to them, and they went and told King David; for they couldn’t risk being seen coming into the city.
This verse highlights the danger Ahimaaz faced by hiding at En Rogel to avoid detection while gathering intelligence for David.
-
II Samuel 18:23
“But come what may,” he said, “I will run.” He said to him, “Run!” Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and outran the Cushite.
Here Ahimaaz demonstrates his physical endurance and eagerness by outrunning the Cushite messenger to reach the king first.
-
II Samuel 18:29
The king said, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent the king’s servant, even me your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I don’t know what it was.”
Ahimaaz’s evasive answer reveals his sensitivity to David’s grief, showing he prioritized the king’s emotional state over immediate factual reporting.