אָחָז
Achaz, the name of a Jewish king and of an Israelite
Definition
אָחָז (ʼÂchâz) is a proper noun referring primarily to King Ahaz of Judah, who reigned from approximately 732 to 716 BC. He is depicted as a wicked king who promoted idolatry, even sacrificing his own son (2 Kings 16:3, 2 Chronicles 28:3), and who sought political alliance with Assyria instead of trusting in God (2 Kings 16:7-9). The name also refers to a descendant of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:35-36), showing its use as a personal name beyond the monarch. In all contexts, it functions as the name of specific individuals, with the king being the most significant and frequently referenced.
Biblical Usage
The name is used 39 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in the historical books of 2 Kings (e.g., 2 Kings 16:1-20), 2 Chronicles (e.g., 2 Chronicles 28:1-27), and Isaiah (e.g., Isaiah 7:1-12). Its usage is almost exclusively for identifying King Ahaz of Judah within narratives about his reign, his idolatry, his conflict with Syria and Israel (the Syro-Ephraimite War), and his interactions with the prophet Isaiah. The single other usage identifies a Benjamite in a genealogical list.
Etymology
Derived from the root verb אָחַז (ʼāḥaz, H270), meaning 'to grasp, take hold, possess.' The name אָחָז is a participle form meaning 'he has grasped' or 'possessor.' It shares this root with words denoting seizure or holding, suggesting a sense of ownership or strength.
Semantic Range
King Ahaz is a pivotal figure illustrating covenant failure and its consequences. His reign is a case study in idolatry, political faithlessness, and the rejection of prophetic counsel (Isaiah 7). His refusal of God's sign (Isaiah 7:10-12) contrasts with the promise of the Immanuel sign (Isaiah 7:14), highlighting human faithlessness versus divine faithfulness. Understanding his story enriches the context of Judah's decline and the prophetic messages of Isaiah.
As a royal name meaning 'possessor,' it likely conveyed aspirations of power, stability, and dynastic strength in ancient Judah. However, the biblical narrative subverts this, portraying Ahaz as one who 'possessed' a kingdom he failed to protect through faith, instead grasping at Assyria for security. His actions, like adopting a foreign altar (2 Kings 16:10-15), reflect the intense political and religious pressures of the 8th-century BC Ancient Near East.
יְהוֹאָחָז (Yᵊhôʼāḥāz, H3059) — A related royal name ('Yahweh has grasped'), borne by kings of Israel and Judah, sharing the same root but with a theophoric element. חִזְקִיָּהוּ (Ḥizqîyāhû, H2396) — Hezekiah, Ahaz's son and successor, whose name ('Yahweh strengthens') contrasts with his father's legacy, representing a turn back to faithful kingship.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →