### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼĂchîylûwd**, represented by `{{H286}}`, identifies an Israelite named **Ahilud**. Derived from words meaning "brother of one born," the name itself suggests a familial identity. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, always serving to establish the parentage of his sons.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H286}}` is used exclusively as a patronymic, identifying the father of two officials who served in the kingdom of Israel. **Ahilud** is most frequently cited as the father of **Jehoshaphat**, who held the official position of **recorder** ([[2 Samuel 8:16]]; [[1 Kings 4:3]]; [[2 Samuel 20:24]]; [[1 Chronicles 18:15]]). He is also named as the father of **Baana**, an officer whose jurisdiction included Taanach and Megiddo [[1 Kings 4:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which **Ahilud** is mentioned:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word is central to Ahilud's identity in scripture, as he is only ever mentioned as the father of a **son**. The term itself is defined as a "builder of the family name," which is precisely the function Ahilud's sons serve for his legacy [[2 Samuel 8:16]].
* `{{H3092}}` **Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ** (Jehoshaphat): The name of Ahilud's most prominent son, meaning "Jehovah-judged." He was a significant figure in the royal court, and his identity is consistently tied to his father, **Ahilud** [[1 Kings 4:3]].
* `{{H2142}}` **zâkar** (recorder): This is the official title of Ahilud's son, Jehoshaphat. The root word means "to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention," which defines the important courtly function his son held [[1 Chronicles 18:15]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H286}}` is rooted in its genealogical function within the royal administration.
* **Patronymic Identification:** The name **Ahilud** is used solely to provide the lineage for his sons, Jehoshaphat and Baana, anchoring them within a specific family structure for the historical record ([[2 Samuel 8:16]]; [[1 Kings 4:12]]).
* **Connection to Royal Administration:** Ahilud's legacy is tied to the official functions of the Israelite kingdom. His son Jehoshaphat was the official **recorder** `{{H2142}}`, a role involving the crucial tasks of remembering and making mention of national events [[1 Kings 4:3]].
* **Legacy Through Offspring:** Ahilud is not depicted performing any actions himself. His importance is established entirely through his children, demonstrating how an individual's identity and contribution could be defined by the role their family played in the nation's life [[1 Chronicles 18:15]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼĂchîylûwd** `{{H286}}` is not a central figure but a crucial genealogical marker. The name **Ahilud** appears exclusively in the context of identifying his two sons, Jehoshaphat the recorder and Baana the officer. Through these references, the name underscores the biblical practice of establishing identity through parentage and connects one family to the administrative history and record-keeping of Israel. Ahilud's story is told entirely through the roles and accomplishments of his children.
TRV