אֲחוֹחִי
an Achochite or descendant of Achoach
Definition
The Hebrew word אֲחוֹחִי (ʼĂchôwchîy) is a gentilic noun meaning 'Ahohite,' designating a descendant or member of the clan of Ahoah. It functions as a family or clan name, identifying individuals as belonging to a specific lineage within the tribe of Benjamin. The term appears exclusively in military and leadership contexts, referring to elite warriors in King David's army. For example, it describes the heroes Dodo (2 Samuel 23:9) and Zalmon (2 Samuel 23:28) as Ahohites, and also identifies Mebunnai (1 Chronicles 11:29) and the commander of the division for the fourth month, Asahel's brother Zebadiah (1 Chronicles 27:4).
Biblical Usage
This word is used five times in the Old Testament, all within the historical books of Samuel and Chronicles. Its usage is consistent, appearing only in lists of David's mighty men and military commanders. It serves as a clan identifier within the tribe of Benjamin, highlighting the martial contributions of this family to David's kingdom. Key references include 2 Samuel 23:9, 28; 1 Chronicles 11:12, 29; and 1 Chronicles 27:4.
Etymology
The term is a patronymic, derived from the name Ahoah (H264, אַחֲוָה), which itself may be related to the Hebrew root for 'brother' (אָח). The '-i' suffix is a standard Hebrew gentilic ending, meaning 'belonging to' or 'descended from.' Thus, אֲחוֹחִי literally means 'of Ahoah' or 'belonging to the house of Ahoah.'
Semantic Range
While primarily a clan name, its consistent use in the context of David's mighty men connects it to themes of God's faithfulness in raising up and using specific families and individuals to establish and protect His covenant kingdom. It illustrates how God works through particular lineages and human loyalty within the framework of His promises to David.
In ancient Israelite society, clan and family identity were paramount for social structure, inheritance, and military organization. Being identified as an 'Ahohite' placed an individual within the tribe of Benjamin, known for producing skilled warriors (Judges 20:16). This designation conveyed honor and established one's role and reputation within the national community, particularly in the service of the king.
No direct synonyms, but related gentilic terms include: הַיִּזְרָח (hayyizrāḥ, H2504) — a designation for Zabdi, also among David's officers; and הַפַּרְעֹתִי (happarʿōṯî, H6555) — another gentilic for one of David's mighty men, indicating a different clan origin.
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 →