### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **'abihuw'**, represented by `{{H30}}`, denotes "father (i.e. worshipper) of Him (i.e. God)". This term identifies Abihu, a son of Aaron. It appears 12 times across 12 unique verses in the Bible, indicating its specific reference to this individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H30}}` is consistently identified as a son `{{H1121}}` of Aaron `{{H175}}`, alongside his brothers Nadab `{{H5070}}`, Eleazar `{{H499}}`, and Ithamar `{{H385}}` [[Exodus 28:1]], [[Numbers 3:2]]. He was among those called to minister in the priest's office `{{H3547}}` [[Exodus 28:1]]. A pivotal event concerning `{{H30}}` is when he, with Nadab `{{H5070}}`, offered strange `{{H2114}}` fire `{{H784}}` before the LORD `{{H3068}}`, which was not commanded [[Leviticus 10:1]]. As a result of this act, Nadab `{{H5070}}` and `{{H30}}` died `{{H4191}}` before the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[Numbers 3:4]], and they had no children `{{H1121}}` [[Numbers 3:4]]. Their death `{{H4191}}` occurred before their father `{{H1}}` [[1 Chronicles 24:2]]. `{{H30}}` was also among the seventy elders who ascended with Moses, Aaron, and Nadab to worship the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[Exodus 24:1]], [[Exodus 24:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context and consequence of Abihu's narrative:
* `{{H1}}` **'ab** (father): Abihu's death `{{H4191}}` is explicitly noted as occurring "before their **father**" [[1 Chronicles 24:2]], emphasizing the impact on the patriarchal line of Aaron `{{H175}}`. The concept of honouring one's father `{{H1}}` is also seen in scripture [[Malachi 1:6]].
* `{{H1121}}` **ben** (son): `{{H30}}` is repeatedly identified as a "son" `{{H1121}}` of Aaron `{{H175}}` [[Exodus 28:1]], and the lack of "children" `{{H1121}}` for Nadab `{{H5070}}` and `{{H30}}` after their death `{{H4191}}` is recorded [[Numbers 3:4]], underscoring the termination of their lineage.
* `{{H2114}}` **zûwr** (strange): This term is central to the account of `{{H30}}`'s death, specifically describing the "strange fire" `{{H784}}` that he offered `{{H7126}}` before the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[Leviticus 10:1]]. It signifies something unauthorized, foreign, or profane.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of Abihu's story is significant.
* **Divine Holiness and Authority:** The immediate death `{{H4191}}` of `{{H30}}` and Nadab `{{H5070}}` after offering "strange fire" `{{H2114}}` demonstrates the LORD's `{{H3068}}` unyielding demand for obedience and proper worship [[Leviticus 10:1]]. God's command not to offer such fire underscores His ultimate authority.
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** The narrative clearly illustrates the severe consequences of defying God's specific instructions, particularly in sacred service. Their demise highlights the importance of adhering to divine law, without external additions [[Leviticus 10:1]].
* **Requirements of Priesthood:** As individuals called to minister in the priest's office `{{H3547}}` [[Exodus 28:1]], their actions served as a stark reminder of the sanctity and strict requirements associated with approaching `{{H7126}}` the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[Leviticus 10:1]].
### Summary
In summary, the Hebrew word `{{H30}}`, **'abihuw'**, identifies a significant figure in early Israelite priesthood, one of Aaron's `{{H175}}` sons. His story is primarily defined by the consequence of offering "strange fire" `{{H2114}}`, which led to his death `{{H4191}}`. This narrative underscores the critical biblical themes of divine authority, the consequences of disobedience, and the strict requirements for sacred service, demonstrating the LORD's `{{H3068}}` holiness and His demand for worship according to His own commands.
TRV