אֲחֻזָּם

Achuzzam, an Israelite

Definition

Achuzzam is a proper name of an Israelite man, appearing only in 1 Chronicles 4:6. The name is derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'to seize' or 'to grasp,' and thus likely carries the sense of 'possession' or 'one who seizes.' As a personal name, it identifies a descendant of Judah through the line of Ashhur, the father of Tekoa. In the biblical genealogical record, Achuzzam is listed as one of the sons of Ashhur, contributing to the tribal lineage documented in 1 Chronicles.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 4:6, within a genealogical list. It functions solely as a personal name for a figure in the tribe of Judah. The context is purely historical and genealogical, with no narrative or dialogic usage. The pattern aligns with many other proper names in Chronicles that serve to establish lineage and tribal connections.

Etymology

The name Achuzzam (אֲחֻזָּם) is a proper noun derived from the root אָחַז (ʼāchaz, H270), which means 'to seize,' 'to grasp,' or 'to take hold.' It is formed as a noun pattern suggesting 'their possession' or 'seizure.' This root is common in Hebrew, appearing in words like אֲחֻזָּה (ʼachuzzah, H272), meaning 'possession' or 'property.' The name thus conceptually relates to the idea of holding or owning something.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried significant meaning, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or character traits. A name like Achuzzam, meaning 'possession,' may have indicated a hope for prosperity, inheritance, or God-given blessing within the family line. Its use in a genealogy underscores the importance of lineage and tribal identity in maintaining the covenant promises given to Judah.

אֲחֻזָּה (ʼachuzzah, H272) — a common noun meaning 'possession' or 'property,' whereas Achuzzam is a personal name. אָחַז (ʼāchaz, H270) — the root verb meaning 'to seize' or 'to take hold.'

Word Details

Scripture References