אַחְלָב (ach.lav)
ach.lav
Ahlab
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun achlab refers to a specific town allotted to the tribe of Asher, mentioned only once in the Bible at Judges 1:31. The name itself translates to "fertile place," suggesting a settlement located in land known for its agricultural productivity or lush vegetation.
This single occurrence highlights the ongoing struggle of the Israelite tribes to fully occupy their inherited territories. While other regions fell under control, Achlab remained within Asher’s borders but was not fully subdued, illustrating the gradual and incomplete nature of the conquest described in that chapter.
The site of this ancient town is currently unknown to archaeologists. Some scholars suggest it may be the same location referred to as Chevel elsewhere in the tribal lists, though the exact identification remains a matter of historical debate rather than clear biblical testimony.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Achlab means "fertile place," yet its single biblical mention in Judges 1:31 tells a story of incomplete victory. The tribe of Asher held the land but failed to fully drive out its inhabitants. This detail reminds us that spiritual progress is often gradual, marked by both successes and lingering struggles.
For your faith life, this word offers comfort rather than condemnation. It acknowledges that even when God provides a "fertile" foundation for growth, we may still face areas of our hearts or lives that remain unconquered. This reality invites patience with ourselves as we continue to trust in His guiding presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ahlab1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַחְלָ֤ב1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 1:31
Asher didn’t drive out the inhabitants of Acco, nor the inhabitants of Sidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob;
This verse lists Achlab among the cities Asher failed to fully subdue, highlighting the incomplete nature of the tribal conquest.