אֲחִילוּד

אֲחִילוּד

Achilud, an Israelite

Definition

Achilud is a proper name identifying an Israelite individual, the father of two royal officials during King David's and King Solomon's reigns. In 2 Samuel 8:16 and 1 Chronicles 18:15, he is identified as the father of Jehoshaphat, who served as David's court recorder. In 1 Kings 4:3, he is again noted as Jehoshaphat's father, now serving in the same role for Solomon. Additionally, 1 Kings 4:12 mentions an Achilud as the father of Baana, one of Solomon's twelve district governors. The name consistently functions as a patronymic, establishing lineage for his sons who held significant administrative positions.

Biblical Usage

The name Achilud appears exclusively in historical books detailing the royal administration of the united monarchy. It is used five times, always in the context of identifying the father of a high-ranking official. The pattern is consistent: in 2 Samuel 8:16, 2 Samuel 20:24, 1 Kings 4:3, and 1 Chronicles 18:15, he is 'Achilud the father of Jehoshaphat the recorder.' In 1 Kings 4:12, the usage shifts slightly to identify him as 'Achilud the father of Baana,' a provincial governor. The name itself is never the focus of narrative action but serves to anchor these officials within a familial and social context.

Etymology

The name Achilud (אֲחִילוּד) is a compound derived from two Hebrew roots: 'ach (H251, אָח), meaning 'brother,' and yalad (H3205, יָלַד), meaning 'to bear' or 'to beget.' Thus, the name's core meaning is 'brother of one born' or 'my brother is born.' It is a theophoric or familial name, a common practice in Hebrew onomastics where names express relationship, often to God (e.g., 'brother of...' implying a divine figure) or commemorate a familial event.

Semantic Range

While Achilud himself is not a major theological figure, his consistent appearance as the father of key administrators highlights the biblical value of faithful service and stable governance within God's covenant community. The preservation of his name across multiple books (Samuel, Kings, Chronicles) underscores the importance of lineage and record-keeping in Israel's history, affirming that God works through established families and social structures. Understanding that his name means 'brother of one born' can subtly point to themes of covenant brotherhood and legacy within Israel. In ancient Israelite culture, a name like Achilud, which identifies familial relationships, was significant for establishing identity and social standing. As the father of royal officials, his name being recorded lent credibility and heritage to his sons' positions. The role of 'recorder' (mazkir) held by his son Jehoshaphat was a high state office, likely involving chronicling events, managing communications, and advising the king. Thus, Achilud's legacy is one of administrative service, reflecting the organized bureaucracy that developed under the monarchy. There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. However, other Hebrew patronymic constructions follow a similar pattern, such as Ben- (son of) or Bar- (Aramaic for son of).

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