אֲחִיתֹ֫פֶל (a.chi.to.phel)
a.chi.to.phel
Ahithophel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ahithophel translates to "my brother is folly" or "brother of foolishness." This striking meaning contrasts sharply with his role as a wise and trusted counselor to King David. The sources identify him as the grandfather of Bathsheba, linking him directly to one of the most significant events in David’s reign (2 Samuel 11:3). His presence in the narrative adds a layer of personal tragedy to the political upheaval that follows.
Ahithophel appears seventeen times in Scripture, primarily within the accounts of Absalom’s rebellion in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. He is described as David’s most trusted advisor, yet he joins his son-in-law Absalom in overthrowing the king (2 Samuel 15:12). His counsel was so highly valued that it was compared to consulting God himself (2 Samuel 16:23). However, when Absalom rejected Ahithophel’s strategic advice in favor of another plan, the counselor realized his influence had ended and took his own life (2 Samuel 17:23).
The etymology of his name serves as a poignant irony throughout the biblical text. A man whose name signifies folly becomes an instrument of political wisdom, only to meet a tragic end through what might be seen as his own final act of despair. His story illustrates how even the most respected advisors can become agents of destruction when loyalty shifts from righteousness to rebellion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ahithophel means 'brother of folly,' a striking contrast to his reputation as a wise counselor whose advice was valued like the word of God. His story reminds us that human wisdom, no matter how sharp, cannot replace divine guidance. When loyalty shifts from righteousness to rebellion, even the most trusted relationships can become sources of deep tragedy.
In 2 Samuel 15:31, David prays for God to turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness, showing that true security lies in trusting Yahweh rather than relying on human strategy. This narrative invites us to examine where our own trust rests. Are we leaning on the wisdom of others, or are we seeking the direction of the Lord?
Ultimately, Ahithophel’s fall highlights the danger of pride and the importance of remaining faithful to God’s purposes. His life serves as a sobering reminder that wisdom without integrity leads to destruction. May we find our strength not in the approval of men, but in the steadfast love of the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ahithophel17×
- and/ Ahithophel3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲחִיתֹ֖פֶל4×
- אֲחִיתֹ֙פֶל֙3×
- וַ/אֲחִיתֹ֖פֶל2×
- אֲחִיתֹֽפֶל\׃2×
- אֲחִיתֹ֗פֶל2×
- אֲחִיתֹ֔פֶל2×
- אֲחִיתֹ֑פֶל2×
- וַ/אֲחִיתֹ֣פֶל1×
- אֲחִיתֹ֨פֶל1×
- אֲחִיתֹ֥פֶל1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 15:31
Someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” David said, “Yahweh, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”
David’s prayer here shows that even when trusted advisors turn against you, God can override their plans for your protection.
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II Samuel 16:23
The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the inner sanctuary of God. All the counsel of Ahithophel was like this both with David and with Absalom.
This verse highlights the high value placed on Ahithophel’s wisdom, comparing it to inquiring at the sanctuary of God.
-
II Samuel 17:14
Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For Yahweh had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that Yahweh might bring evil on Absalom.
The text reveals that God sovereignly ordained the rejection of Ahithophel’s good counsel to bring judgment on Absalom.
-
II Samuel 17:23
When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey, arose, and went home to his city, set his house in order, and hanged himself; and he died, and was buried in the tomb of his father.
Ahithophel’s suicide illustrates the despair that follows when one’s influence ends and their rebellion is exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ahithophel mean?
How is Ahithophel related to King David?
Why did Ahithophel commit suicide?
What is the significance of 2 Samuel 16:23?
Every Occurrence (17 verses across 2 books)
II Samuel 15 verses
Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he was offering the…
II Samuel 15:31Someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” David said, “Yahweh, please turn the…
II Samuel 15:34but if you return to the city, and tell Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king. As I have been your father’s servant…
II Samuel 16:15Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.
II Samuel 16:20Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your counsel what we shall do.”
II Samuel 16:21Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines that he has left to keep the house. Then all Israel will…
II Samuel 16:23The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the inner sanctuary of God. All the…
II Samuel 17:1Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me now choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David…
II Samuel 17:6When Hushai had come to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, “Ahithophel has spoken like this. Shall we do what he…
II Samuel 17:7Hushai said to Absalom, “The counsel that Ahithophel has given this time is not good.”
II Samuel 17:14Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.”…
II Samuel 17:15Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, “Ahithophel counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel that way;…
II Samuel 17:21After they had departed, they came up out of the well and went and told King David; and they said to David, “Arise and…
II Samuel 17:23When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey, arose, and went home to his city, set his…
II Samuel 23:34Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,