The Hebrew word ʼĂchôwach, represented by H265, is an Israelite proper name. It appears 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Based on its derivation from a word for brother, its definition is brotherly, and it is used to identify an individual named Ahoah.
The single appearance of H265 is found within a genealogical list in the book of 1 Chronicles. Ahoah is named as one of several individuals in a lineage, mentioned alongside others such as Abishua and Naaman. The specific context is the listing of names in a family record 1 Chronicles 8:4.
Several individuals are mentioned in the same verse, providing context for Ahoah's place in the biblical record:
- H50 ʼĂbîyshûwaʻ (father of plenty (i.e. prosperous); Abishua, the name of two Israelites; Abishua): This name appears alongside Ahoah in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles 8:4 and is also found in the priestly lineage descending from Aaron.
- H5283 Naʻămân (Naaman, the name of an Israelite and of a Damascene; Naaman): Naaman is listed with Abishua and Ahoah in 1 Chronicles 8:4. The name is also used for a prominent Syrian captain in the book of 2 Kings.
While the name H265 itself does not carry direct theological weight, its inclusion in scripture serves a specific function within the biblical narrative:
- Preservation of Lineage: Ahoah's mention is part of the extensive genealogical records that are crucial for establishing tribal and familial identity in the Old Testament. His name is recorded as part of this ancestral line 1 Chronicles 8:4.
- Individual Identity: The name Ahoah distinguishes a specific person within a larger family tree, underscoring the value placed on individual identity within the recorded history of Israel.
In summary, H265 is a proper name used to identify a single individual, Ahoah. Its meaning, brotherly, is consistent with its role in a family list. The word's sole purpose in the biblical text is to contribute to the detailed genealogical record, serving as a marker of identity within a specific lineage documented in 1 Chronicles 8:4.