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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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