once (by contraction) אֶחָב (Jeremiah 29:22); from אָח and אָב; brother (i.e. friend) of (his) father; Achab, the name of a king of Israel and of a prophet at Babylon; Ahab.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼAchʼâb**, represented by `{{H256}}`, means "brother of (his) father." It appears **93 times** across **81 unique verses** in scripture, primarily referring to a king of Israel whose reign became a benchmark for wickedness and apostasy. The name itself is formed from the words for brother, **'ach** `{{H251}}`, and father, **'ab** `{{H1}}`.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Ahab is a central figure in the books of Kings. He is infamous for doing **evil** `{{H7451}}` in the sight of the LORD, even more than all the kings before him [[1 Kings 16:30]]. The record states, "there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up" [[1 Kings 21:25]]. His story is marked by a direct confrontation with the prophet Elijah `{{H452}}`, who announced a drought as judgment from God [[1 Kings 17:1]]. Despite his persistent evil, Ahab showed a moment of humility `{{H3665}}` when confronted with God's judgment, which led the LORD to delay the promised disaster upon his house [[1 Kings 21:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the narrative of Ahab:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): The "house of Ahab" became a term synonymous with idolatry and divine judgment. Its influence spread through intermarriage [[2 Kings 8:18]] and its legacy served as a warning of desolation [[Micah 6:16]]. The Lord promised to build a different kind of **house**, one founded on Him [[Psalms 127:1]].
* `{{H348}}` **ʼÎyzebel** (Jezebel): As Ahab's **wife** `{{H802}}`, she was a primary force who "stirred up" her husband to **work** `{{H6213}}` wickedness [[1 Kings 21:25]]. Her name is directly linked to the shedding of the **blood** `{{H1818}}` of the LORD's prophets [[2 Kings 9:7]].
* `{{H1168}}` **Baʻal** (Baal): Ahab's reign is defined by his service to Baal. He **reared up** `{{H6965}}` altars for Baal and made a **grove** `{{H842}}`, leading Israel into widespread idolatry [[2 Kings 21:3]]. This set the stage for Elijah's challenge to the people: "if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him" [[1 Kings 18:21]].
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (evil): This word is repeatedly used to describe Ahab's actions. He **did** `{{H6213}}` evil in the sight of the LORD [[2 Kings 8:18]], and Elijah confronted him for having **sold** `{{H4376}}` himself to do evil [[1 Kings 21:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H256}}` is primarily as a negative example of leadership and faithfulness.
* **A Standard for Wickedness:** Ahab's actions were so egregious that he became the standard by which future evil kings were measured. King Ahaziah walked in the ways of the house of Ahab [[2 Chronicles 22:3]], and Manasseh rebuilt the **high places** `{{H1116}}` and altars to Baal "as did Ahab king of Israel" [[2 Kings 21:3]].
* **Divine Confrontation:** The dramatic interactions between Ahab and the prophet Elijah illustrate the inescapable conflict between corrupt human authority and God's sovereignty. The LORD's word through Elijah directly challenged and ultimately condemned Ahab's reign ([[1 Kings 17:1]], [[1 Kings 21:20]]).
* **Generational Consequences:** The judgment pronounced was not just on Ahab but on his entire **house** `{{H1004}}`. The LORD promised to "wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish" using the "plummet of the house of Ahab" as a measure of destruction [[2 Kings 21:13]], and to **avenge** `{{H5358}}` the blood of His servants [[2 Kings 9:7]].
* **Repentance and Mercy:** Ahab's story includes a critical lesson on repentance. When he **heard** `{{H8085}}` the words of judgment, he tore his clothes, put on **sackcloth** `{{H8242}}`, and fasted [[1 Kings 21:27]]. In response, the LORD acknowledged his humility and delayed the disaster, demonstrating that even for the most wicked, a humble response to God can alter the timing of judgment [[1 Kings 21:29]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼAchʼâb** `{{H256}}` is far more than a name; it represents a pivotal and cautionary figure in Israel's history. His legacy is defined by his promotion of **Baal** `{{H1168}}` worship, his conflict with God's prophet Elijah, and the depth of his wickedness, which became a benchmark for subsequent kings. The narrative of the "house of Ahab" serves as a powerful biblical illustration of the consequences of idolatry, the certainty of divine judgment, and the profound availability of God's mercy in response to genuine humility.
TRV