עָכָר

עָכָר

Akar, an Israelite

Definition

The proper noun עָכָר (ʻÂkâr) refers to an Israelite individual, also known as Achan, who is central to a narrative of disobedience in the book of Joshua. In 1 Chronicles 2:7, he is listed in a genealogy as 'Achar, the troubler of Israel,' directly linking his name to his actions. This name is an alternate form of עָכָן (ʻÂkân, H5912), as noted in Joshua 7, where Achan's sin of taking devoted things from Jericho brings trouble (עָכַר) upon the entire nation, leading to defeat at Ai and his subsequent execution.

Biblical Usage

This specific spelling, עָכָר, is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 2:7, within a genealogical list of the tribe of Judah. Its usage here serves as a historical footnote, connecting the individual to the more detailed narrative in Joshua 7. The Chronicler explicitly labels him 'the troubler of Israel,' directly invoking the meaning of the root verb and ensuring the reader recalls the full story and its consequences from the earlier book.

Etymology

The name עָכָר is derived directly from the Hebrew root verb עָכַר (ʻākhar, H5916), which means 'to trouble, stir up, disturb.' It is a participle form meaning 'troubler.' This etymology is not merely linguistic but is explicitly highlighted in the biblical text itself (1 Chronicles 2:7, Joshua 7:25), making the name a descriptive title of his role in Israel's history. The alternate name Achan (עָכָן) is likely a dialectical variation.

Semantic Range

The name and story of Achar/Achan are profoundly theological, illustrating the principle of corporate responsibility and the holiness of God within the covenant community. His sin, described as 'troubling' Israel, demonstrates how the disobedience of one individual can have devastating consequences for the whole nation (Joshua 7:1, 11-12). It underscores God's intolerance for covenant breach, especially regarding devoted things (ḥērem), and highlights themes of confession, judgment, and the need to purge evil from the camp to restore divine favor. In ancient Israelite culture, names were often significant and descriptive. To be named 'Troubler' in a permanent genealogical record was a lasting mark of infamy. The story reflects the high value placed on communal purity and the severe consequences for actions that violated the group's sacred covenant with Yahweh. The execution of Achan and his family, along with the destruction of his possessions, was a cultural act of purification to remove the contamination of sin from the community. עָכָן (ʻÂkân, H5912) — The more common alternate name for the same individual, used in the narrative of Joshua 7.

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