a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **'ach**, represented by `{{H251}}`, is a primitive word for **brother**. It appears 629 times in 572 verses, indicating its importance in defining relationships. The term is used in the widest sense, referring not only to a literal male sibling but also to wider kindred, national allies, and those with a metaphorical affinity or resemblance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H251}}` defines relationships on multiple levels. It describes the literal, and often conflicted, bond between siblings, such as when Esau planned to kill his **brother** Jacob [[Genesis 27:41]]. The term is extended to cover close kinship, as when Abram refers to his nephew Lot as a **brother** to prevent strife [[Genesis 13:8]]. It also establishes a national identity, where the people of Israel are considered **brethren**, and God promises to raise up a Prophet from among them [[Deuteronomy 18:18]]. This collective identity carries with it a responsibility to fight for one's **brethren**, sons, and daughters [[Nehemiah 4:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of brotherhood and community:
* `{{H1}}` **'ab** (father): This term for a male parent is often used in parallel with **'ach** to describe the complete family unit. God's role as the one **father** who created Israel is used as the basis for why one **brother** should not deal treacherously with another [[Malachi 2:10]].
* `{{H7453}}` **rêaʻ** (friend, companion, neighbour): This word describes a close associate. It is used both in contrast to and in parallel with **'ach**. A friend can stick closer than a **brother** [[Proverbs 18:24]], yet commands about how to treat a **neighbour** are often paired with commands about a **brother** [[Jeremiah 31:34]].
* `{{H898}}` **bâgad** (to deal treacherously): This verb often describes the violation of the brotherly bond. Both Malachi and Jeremiah warn against dealing **treacherously** with a **brother**, highlighting the profound betrayal this represents within the covenant family ([[Malachi 2:10]], [[Jeremiah 12:6]]).
* `{{H8130}}` **sânêʼ** (to hate): This word represents a direct violation of the obligations of kinship. The law explicitly forbids hating a **brother** in one's heart [[Leviticus 19:17]], while Isaiah speaks of **brethren** who **hated** and cast out their kin [[Isaiah 66:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H251}}` is centered on covenant responsibility and community.
* **Covenantal Obligation:** The bond of a **brother** is not merely familial but is a covenantal reality that demands just treatment. The law repeatedly forbids oppressing a **brother**, whether in financial dealings, hired labor, or matters of justice ([[Leviticus 25:14]], [[Zechariah 7:10]]). Failure to show compassion to a **brother**, as Edom did, brings divine judgment [[Amos 1:11]].
* **Corporate Unity:** The ideal state for God's people is to live as **brethren** in unity, a state described as both **good** `{{H2896}}` and **pleasant** `{{H5273}}` [[Psalms 133:1]]. This unity is rooted in the shared identity of having one **Father** `{{H1}}` and one **God** `{{H410}}` who created them [[Malachi 2:10]].
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The promise of a future Prophet like Moses is specifically tied to the community of **brethren**. God declares He will raise this figure from among them, placing His words in his mouth ([[Deuteronomy 18:15]], 18:18), making the concept of brotherhood central to redemptive history.
* **Human Frailty:** The term also underscores the reality of sin and betrayal. The first murder in scripture is that of a **brother** [[Genesis 4:10]], and the theme of conflict between brothers, like Jacob and Esau, is recurrent. This demonstrates how sin fractures the most fundamental human relationships designed for unity.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H251}}` **'ach** functions as a foundational word for relationship in the Bible. It extends far beyond a simple family tie to encompass the entire covenant nation of Israel. It establishes a divine standard for unity, mutual support, and justice, while also serving as a stark reminder of the consequences when these sacred bonds are broken by hatred, betrayal, and oppression. The concept of the **brother** is therefore essential for understanding both ethical commands and the overarching story of God's covenant people.
TRV