אֲחִיקָם (a.chi.qam)
a.chi.qam
Ahikam
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ahikam, meaning "my brother has risen," identifies a significant figure in the final years of the Kingdom of Judah. He was the son of Shaphan, a prominent official during King Josiah’s reign, and the father of Gedaliah, who would later serve as governor under Babylonian rule. The name appears twenty times in Scripture, primarily within the books of Jeremiah, Second Kings, and Second Chronicles.
Ahikam is best known for his courageous protection of the prophet Jeremiah. When other officials sought to execute Jeremiah for his messages of judgment, Ahikam intervened on his behalf (Jeremiah 26:24). This act of loyalty stands out in a narrative filled with betrayal and fear, highlighting a moment where personal integrity shielded a divine messenger from political violence.
His legacy also extends through his son Gedaliah. After the fall of Jerusalem, Gedaliah was appointed governor by the Babylonians, a position that likely stemmed from the family’s established standing and Ahikam’s earlier influence. The sources trace this lineage clearly, connecting the father’s defense of truth with the son’s difficult task of rebuilding a shattered community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ahikam means 'my brother has risen,' a reminder that faithfulness often involves standing firm when others step back. In a time of national crisis, he chose to protect the prophet Jeremiah from those who wanted him silenced. This act was not just political maneuvering; it was a personal risk taken to uphold truth and justice.
His legacy continues through his son Gedaliah, who led a remnant after Jerusalem fell. The family’s story shows how one generation’s courage can support the next in times of rebuilding. Ahikam’s life invites us to consider where we might stand for what is right, even when it costs us comfort or safety.
His example encourages believers to value integrity over popularity. In a world that often rewards silence, his choice to speak up and protect the messenger offers a model for faithful living. It reminds us that God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways when they choose loyalty to truth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ahikam19×
- and/ Ahikam1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲחִיקָ֣ם6×
- אֲחִיקָ֖ם3×
- אֲחִיקָ֥ם2×
- אֲחִיקָ֑ם2×
- וַ/אֲחִיקָ֨ם1×
- אֲחִיקָם֙1×
- אֲחִיקָֽם\׃\ \ס1×
- אֲחִיקָֽם\׃1×
- אֲחִיקָ֧ם1×
- אֲחִיקָ֤ם1×
- אֲחִיקָ֔ם1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 26:24
But the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, so that they didn’t give him into the hand of the people to put him to death.
This verse highlights Ahikam's direct intervention to save Jeremiah from execution, showing his personal courage in protecting a divine messenger.
-
II Kings 22:12
The king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the king’s servant, saying,
Here Ahikam is part of the royal delegation seeking God's word through Huldah, indicating his family's established role in spiritual matters during Josiah's reforms.
-
Jeremiah 39:14
sent and took Jeremiah out of the court of the guard, and committed him to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, that he should bring him home. So he lived among the people.
Ahikam's son Gedaliah is entrusted with Jeremiah's safety, demonstrating the enduring trust and protective relationship between their family and the prophet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ahikam mean?
Why is Ahikam important in the Bible?
How is Ahikam related to Jeremiah?
Every Occurrence (20 verses across 3 books)
II Kings 3 verses
The king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Micaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and…
II Kings 22:14So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son…
II Kings 25:22As for the people who were left in the land of Judah whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he…