אַחְלָ֑י (ach.lay)
ach.lay
Ahlai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Achlai appears in two brief genealogical records within 1 Chronicles, carrying a meaning that translates to "O! would that!" or expressing a wish. In the first instance (1 Chronicles 2:31), it identifies a daughter of Sheshan, highlighting a unique naming choice for a woman in this lineage. The second occurrence (1 Chronicles 11:41) names the father of Zabad, one of King David’s mighty men.
While the name itself suggests longing or aspiration, its scriptural appearance is strictly limited to these family lists. It serves as a marker of identity within the tribe of Judah during the period of the divided monarchy, linking individuals to broader tribal histories without further narrative expansion in the biblical text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Achlai carries a meaning that translates to "O! would that!" or expresses a deep wish. In Scripture, this word appears only twice within genealogical records in 1 Chronicles. One instance identifies a daughter of Sheshan, while the other names the father of Zabad, one of King David’s mighty men.
These brief mentions remind us that every name in God’s record has significance. Even when we do not know the full story behind a person, their inclusion in the lineage shows they were part of God’s unfolding plan. This encourages us to trust that our own lives, however quiet or small they may seem, are woven into His greater purpose.
When we encounter names like Achlai, we are invited to reflect on the value of every individual in the family of faith. Each person contributes to the rich tapestry of history that leads to Christ, reminding us that no one is overlooked by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ahlai2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַחְלָֽי\׃\ \ס1×
- אַחְלָֽי\׃1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 2:31
The son of Appaim: Ishi. The son of Ishi: Sheshan. The son of Sheshan: Ahlai.
This verse identifies Ahlai as a daughter of Sheshan, highlighting a unique naming choice for a woman in this lineage.
-
I Chronicles 11:41
Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai,
Here, Ahlai is named as the father of Zabad, connecting him to King David’s mighty men and showing his place in tribal history.