אַכְשָׁף (akh.shaph)
akh.shaph
Achshaph
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Achshaph is a place name found in the Old Testament, specifically within the narratives of Joshua. The sources identify it as a city located in northern Canaan, situated at the foot of Mount Carmel and near the border of the tribe of Asher. It was ruled by a king who participated in a coalition against Israel, an alliance that was ultimately defeated as described in the book of Joshua.
The name itself carries a meaning often translated as "I shall be bewitched" or associated with enchantment. This etymology reflects the cultural perception of the region, which was sometimes viewed through a lens of magical or occult practices by its neighbors. The lexical data links the word directly to this geographical location and its royal status during the conquest period.
Although it appears in only three verses, Achshaph serves as a concrete marker of the territorial boundaries and political landscape of ancient Canaan. Its inclusion in the biblical text highlights the specific cities that were subdued, grounding the narrative in real geography rather than abstract concepts. The name’s association with witchcraft adds a layer of cultural context to the historical account of Israel’s entry into the land.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Achshaph appears in the book of Joshua as a specific city in northern Canaan, ruled by a king who joined a coalition against Israel. The name itself is often linked to ideas of enchantment or magic, reflecting how the surrounding cultures viewed their land and practices. For readers today, this detail reminds us that the biblical narrative is grounded in real history, with actual places and political conflicts.
Knowing that these cities were real helps us see God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to give Israel the land. It also shows that spiritual realities were at play, as the name hints at the occult influences present in the region. This context invites us to trust in God’s power over all forms of darkness and deception.
As you study these accounts, consider how God brings order out of chaos and truth out of confusion. The specific mention of Achshaph encourages us that every detail in Scripture matters, pointing to a God who is both sovereign and intimately involved in history.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Acshaph2×
- and/ Acshaph1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אַכְשָֽׁף\׃1×
- אַכְשָֽׁף\׃1×
- אַכְשָׁ֖ף1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 11:1
When Jabin king of Hazor heard of it, he sent to Jobab king of Madon, to the king of Shimron, to the king of Achshaph,
This verse shows Achshaph’s king joining a powerful northern coalition against Israel, highlighting the political threat they faced.
-
Joshua 12:20
the king of Shimron Meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;
Here, Achshaph is listed among the defeated kings, confirming Israel’s military success in the region.
-
Joshua 19:25
Their border was Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph,
This verse marks Achshaph as part of the tribal boundary for Asher, showing its role in defining the land's borders.