### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼAchzay**, represented by `{{H273}}`, is the proper name of an Israelite. Derived from a root word meaning **seizer**, it is translated in scripture as Ahasai. This name appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, placing it among the most rarely mentioned names.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H273}}` is found in a genealogical list within the book of Nehemiah. This record details the men who returned to live in Jerusalem after the exile. In this context, Ahasai is mentioned as an ancestor within a priestly family line: "Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer" [[Nehemiah 11:13]]. He is part of a lineage belonging to a group described as "brethren, chief of the fathers."
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words found in the same passage provide a framework for understanding Ahasai's role in the community:
* `{{H1121}}` **ben** (a son): As the foundational word for lineage, **ben** is used repeatedly to construct the family tree where Ahasai is found. It signifies a "builder of the family name" and establishes the generational connections crucial to the record [[Nehemiah 11:13]].
* `{{H1}}` **ʼâb** (father): This word is used to identify the leaders of the families, as the men listed with Ahasai's descendants are called "chief of the **fathers**." The term can apply to an immediate father or a more distant ancestor, signifying headship and origin [[Nehemiah 11:13]].
* `{{H251}}` **ʼâch** (a brother): The entire group is introduced as "brethren," highlighting their shared kinship and communal identity. This term is used in its widest sense to denote both literal relationship and metaphorical affinity within the people of Israel [[Nehemiah 11:13]].
### Theological Significance
While the individual Ahasai has limited direct theological focus, his inclusion in scripture carries significance:
* **Preservation of Lineage:** The meticulous record-keeping that includes `{{H273}}` highlights the importance of heritage and succession in the post-exilic community. These genealogies were vital for re-establishing priestly duties and confirming covenant identity [[Nehemiah 11:13]].
* **Covenant Faithfulness:** The list in which Ahasai appears is a testament to God's faithfulness in restoring His people to their land. It documents the re-establishment of an ordered society in Jerusalem, centered on the families and fathers of Israel. The need to prove one's "father's house" was critical [[Nehemiah 7:61]].
* **The Individual's Role:** The mention of Ahasai demonstrates that every person, however briefly noted, forms a necessary link in the chain of God's covenant people. His place in the ancestry of a "chief of the fathers" affirms the value of each generation in the unfolding of God's plan [[Nehemiah 11:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H273}}` **ʼAchzay**, or Ahasai, is the name of an Israelite ancestor mentioned once in the Bible. His sole appearance within a Nehemiah genealogy is not incidental; rather, it serves a distinct purpose. It underscores the biblical emphasis on heritage, the structure of the restored community, and the faithfulness of God to preserve His people through the generations. The story of Ahasai shows how even a single name in a list contributes to the broader biblical narrative of identity and divine order.
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