### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼĂchîyman**, represented by `{{H289}}`, translates to **brother of a portion (i.e. gift)**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This name is given to two different individuals in the scriptures: a prominent Anakite dwelling in Hebron and an Israelite who served as a porter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **ʼĂchîyman** `{{H289}}` is first identified as one of the three **children** `{{H3211}}` of **Anak** `{{H6061}}` who resided in **Hebron** `{{H2275}}`. The Israelite spies who ascended into the south saw **ʼĂchîyman** `{{H289}}`, along with **Sheshai** `{{H8344}}` and **Talmai** `{{H8526}}`, which contributed to their report of formidable inhabitants in the land [[Numbers 13:22]]. Subsequently, **Caleb** `{{H3612}}` drove these three sons of **Anak** `{{H6061}}` from the land [[Joshua 15:14]]. The conquest narrative concludes when the men of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` went against the **Canaanites** `{{H3669}}` in **Hebron** `{{H2275}}` and slew them [[Judges 1:10]]. In a separate account, a man named **ʼĂchîyman** `{{H289}}` is listed among the Israelite **porters** `{{H7778}}` who served with their **brethren** `{{H251}}` [[1 Chronicles 9:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the accounts of **ʼĂchîyman** `{{H289}}`:
* `{{H6061}}` **ʻÂnâq** (Anak, a Canaanite): The patriarch of the Anakites. His descendants, including **ʼĂchîyman** `{{H289}}`, were the imposing figures encountered by the Israelites in **Hebron** `{{H2275}}` [[Numbers 13:22]].
* `{{H3612}}` **Kâlêb** (Caleb): The faithful Israelite spy who was promised the land he traversed [[Numbers 14:24]] and who later drove out **ʼĂchîyman** `{{H289}}` and his brothers from their territory [[Joshua 15:14]].
* `{{H2275}}` **Chebrôwn** (Hebron): Defined as "seat of association," this city was the dwelling place of the Anakite **ʼĂchîyman** `{{H289}}` and a significant site in the Israelite conquest [[Judges 1:10]].
* `{{H7778}}` **shôwʻêr** (porter): This term for a "doorkeeper" or "janitor" describes the official role held by the Israelite named **ʼĂchîyman** `{{H289}}`, who was part of the temple service [[1 Chronicles 9:17]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of **ʼĂchîyman** `{{H289}}` is seen in the roles these two individuals play in the biblical record.
* **Symbol of Opposition:** The Anakite **ʼĂchîyman** `{{H289}}`, as one of the "children of **Anak** `{{H6061}}`," represents a major obstacle to Israel's claim to the promised land. His defeat is a testament to God's power to overcome formidable enemies and fulfill His covenant with His people [[Joshua 15:14]].
* **Faithfulness in Conquest:** The story of driving out the sons of **Anak** `{{H6061}}`, including **ʼĂchîyman** `{{H289}}`, is directly tied to the faithfulness of leaders like **Caleb** `{{H3612}}`, who was empowered to possess his inheritance by expelling these foes [[Judges 1:20]].
* **Faithful Service:** The Israelite **ʼĂchîyman** `{{H289}}` presents a stark contrast. Instead of being an enemy to be driven out, he is an integral part of the community, serving in the honored role of a **porter** `{{H7778}}` alongside his brethren, with **Shallum** `{{H7967}}` as the **chief** `{{H7218}}` [[1 Chronicles 9:17]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼĂchîyman** `{{H289}}` is a name that links two very different stories. The first is of an Anakite giant, a symbol of the intimidating forces that God's people had to overcome to possess their inheritance ([[Numbers 13:22]], [[Joshua 15:14]]). The second is of a humble Israelite porter, representing the importance of faithful service within the established community of worship [[1 Chronicles 9:17]]. Together, they illustrate the biblical themes of conquering opposition and dedicating oneself to service.
TRV