אַחְלַי

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew name ʼAchlay, represented by H304, means wishful. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The definition notes that it is the name of both an Israelitess and an Israelite, used to identify individuals in genealogical records.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The two appearances of H304 are found in the book of 1 Chronicles. In a genealogical list, Ahlai is identified as one of "the children of Sheshan" 1 Chronicles 2:31. Later, in a list of David's mighty men, an individual named Zabad is identified as "the son of Ahlai" 1 Chronicles 11:41, linking this warrior back to a specific family line.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related names and terms are connected to Ahlai through its genealogical context:

• H1121 bên (a son): This word establishes the direct familial relationships for Ahlai, identifying Ahlai as a descendant of Sheshan 1 Chronicles 2:31 and the parent of Zabad 1 Chronicles 11:41.
• H8348 Shêshân (perhaps for שׁוּשַׁן; lily; Sheshan, an Israelite): This name identifies the direct parent of Ahlai in the genealogy recorded in 1 Chronicles 2:31.
• H3469 Yishʻîy (saving; Jishi, the name of four Israelites; Ishi): As the father of Sheshan, Yishʻîy is the grandfather of Ahlai according to the lineage in 1 Chronicles 2:31.

Theological Significance

The significance of H304 is primarily genealogical, establishing identity and connection within the chronicles of Israel.

• Genealogical Marker: Ahlai serves as a key link in the family line of Sheshan, whose descendants are recorded in the tribe of Judah 1 Chronicles 2:31.
• Parent of a Mighty Man: The name is crucial for identifying Zabad, one of the distinguished warriors, by naming his parent, Ahlai 1 Chronicles 11:41.
• Dual Gender Application: The base definition for H304 specifies that the name was used for both a male and a female, while the biblical text identifies Ahlai as the parent of a "son," Zabad.

Summary

In summary, H304 is a proper name, ʼAchlay, whose meaning is "wishful." Its role in scripture is not narrative but documentary, appearing exclusively in 1 Chronicles to record lineage. The name is essential for connecting Zabad to his ancestry and for detailing the family descendants of Sheshan.