אֲחַסְבַּי (a.chas.bay)
a.chas.bay
Ahasbai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Achasbai is a proper name appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in 2 Samuel 23:34. He is identified as the father of Eliphelet, one of King David’s elite warriors known as the "Mighty Men." Because the text provides no further narrative about him, his significance lies entirely in his genealogical connection to this group of loyal defenders.
The name itself offers a glimpse into ancient Hebrew naming conventions. It is generally interpreted to mean "brother of my encompassers" or "my brother who surrounds." This etymology suggests a theme of protection and solidarity, fitting for a man whose son served in the king’s personal guard. The word reflects a cultural value placed on kinship and mutual defense in times of conflict.
While Achasbai does not appear as an active character in any biblical story, his mention preserves the memory of the social networks that supported David’s reign. By listing him alongside other fathers of heroes, the text highlights that these warriors were part of established family lines rather than isolated individuals. His single appearance serves as a historical marker for the community surrounding the United Monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ahasbai appears only once in Scripture, tucked into a list of King David’s mighty men. It means "brother of my encompassers," a title that speaks to protection and close-kinned loyalty. In ancient Israel, family ties were the foundation of safety and strength, and this name reflects a life lived in solidarity with others.
Though we do not hear his voice or see his deeds in the narrative, his inclusion reminds us that God values the quiet faithfulness of those who support His people from behind the scenes. The heroes of old did not stand alone; they were rooted in families and communities that held them fast. This single mention preserves the memory of a man whose life was woven into the fabric of David’s reign.
For us today, this word invites reflection on our own connections. We are part of a spiritual family, bound together by faith and mutual care. Just as Ahasbai’s name suggests protection and brotherhood, we are called to surround one another in love, knowing that no one walks the path of faith entirely alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ahasbai1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֲחַסְבַּ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 23:34
Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,
This verse identifies Ahasbai as the father of Eliphelet, linking him to David’s elite warriors and highlighting the importance of family lineage in the military structure of Israel.