or (shortened) אַחֲרֹן; from אָחַר; hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western; after (-ward), to come, following, hind(-er, -ermost, -most), last, latter, rereward, ut(ter) most.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼachărôwn**, represented by `{{H314}}`, primarily means **last** or **hinder**. It appears 51 times across 48 unique verses. While often used to denote the final item in a sequence, its meaning extends to concepts of future time ("latter" or "to come") and geographical direction, specifically "western" when oriented from the east.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H314}}` is used in several key contexts. It is most profoundly used in God's self-declaration, "I am the first{H7223}, and I am the last{H314}; and beside{H1107} me there is no God{H430}" [[Isaiah 44:6]], establishing His eternal sovereignty. It also carries a prophetic weight, referring to a future time, such as the "latter{H314} day" when Job's redeemer will stand upon the earth [[Job 19:25]]. Geographically, it defines the "hinder{H314} sea{H3220}" (the western sea) as a boundary for both divine blessing and judgment ([[Zechariah 14:8]], [[Joel 2:20]]). It is also used to chronologically frame historical records, such as "the first{H7223} and last{H314}" acts of kings [[1 Chronicles 29:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context to the meaning of **ʼachărôwn**:
* `{{H7223}}` **riʼshôwn** (first, former): This is the direct antonym to `{{H314}}` and is frequently used in parallel to create a sense of totality, as in God's declaration that He is "the first{H7223}, and with the last{H314}" [[Isaiah 41:4]], or in comparing the "former{H7223}" and "latter{H314}" houses [[Haggai 2:9]].
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (sea): This word is often modified by `{{H314}}` to specify a geographical boundary. The promise to Israel was a coast extending to the "uttermost{H314} sea{H3220}" [[Deuteronomy 11:24]], and prophetic visions describe events stretching to the "hinder{H314} sea{H3220}" [[Zechariah 14:8]].
* `{{H1755}}` **dôwr** (generation): `{{H314}}` is used with this term to speak of the future, emphasizing the importance of passing down God's works to the "generation{H1755} to come{H314}" [[Psalms 78:4]], so that a people yet to be created might praise the Lord [[Psalms 102:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H314}}` is significant, particularly in eschatology and the doctrine of God.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** God's title as "the first{H7223} and the last{H314}" establishes His absolute authority over time and creation, from beginning to end. He is the one who calls generations into being and remains with them ([[Isaiah 41:4]], [[Isaiah 48:12]]).
* **Redemptive Hope:** The term points toward a future day of redemption. Job's famous declaration of faith is that his redeemer will stand on the earth in the "latter{H314} day" [[Job 19:25]]. This hope is also seen in the promise that the glory of the "latter{H314} house{H1004}" will be greater than the former [[Haggai 2:9]].
* **Historical Record and Prophecy:** The word is used to frame the complete records of figures like David [[1 Chronicles 29:29]] and Solomon [[2 Chronicles 9:29]], suggesting a comprehensive account. It is also used to preserve God's words for the "time{H3117} to come{H314}" [[Isaiah 30:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H314}}` is a multifaceted word that signifies more than just a final position. It is used to express God's eternal nature, to frame historical and prophetic accounts, and to describe geographical and temporal boundaries. From God's declaration as the first and the last to the hope of a redeemer in the latter day, **ʼachărôwn** is a crucial term for understanding God's sovereignty over all of history and His redemptive plan for the future.
TRV