or (more correctly) אֲבִיחַיִל ; from אָב and חַיִל; father (i.e. possessor) of might; Abihail or Abichail, the name of three Israelites and two Israelitesses; Abihail.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **'Ăbîyhayil**, represented by `{{H32}}`, is a proper name defined as "father (i.e. possessor) of might". This name appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible, identifying three Israelite men and two Israelite women.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H32}}` is consistently used as a proper name for individuals, primarily highlighting familial connections and lineage. It identifies both men and women. For instance, Abihail is the **daughter** `{{H1323}}` of Eliab, a descendant of Jesse, and wife of Rehoboam [[2 Chronicles 11:18]]. Another female Abihail is recorded as the wife of Abishur [[1 Chronicles 2:29]]. Male individuals bearing the name include Abihail, the **father** `{{H1}}` of Esther, who is also described as the **uncle** `{{H1730}}` of Mordecai ([[Esther 2:15]], [[Esther 9:29]]). The name also identifies the **father** `{{H1}}` of Zuriel, a chief of the Merarite family [[Numbers 3:35]], and the **son** `{{H1121}}` of Huri in a detailed genealogy [[1 Chronicles 5:14]]. These occurrences underscore the significance of family lines and relationships within the biblical record.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts inherent in the name Abihail:
* `{{H1}}` **'ab** (father): This primitive word means 'father' and is a direct component of the name Abihail, signifying source, progenitor, or head of a family [[Numbers 3:35]]. It is used to describe the God of thy father [[1 Chronicles 28:9]] and the everlasting Father [[Isaiah 9:6]].
* `{{H1121}}` **ben** (son): As a common term for 'son', this word is crucial for tracing genealogies and understanding familial succession. It appears multiple times with `{{H32}}` in genealogies [[1 Chronicles 5:14]] and in contexts like "Solomon my son" [[1 Chronicles 28:9]] and "the sons of men" [[Psalms 31:19]].
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (daughter): This feminine counterpart to 'son' defines female lineage and relationships. It appears directly associated with Abihail, such as "the daughter of Abihail" ([[Esther 2:15]], [[2 Chronicles 11:18]], [[Esther 9:29]]). It is also used in broader contexts like "your sons and your daughters" [[Joel 2:28]].
* `{{H1730}}` **dôwd** (uncle): This term refers to a relative, specifically an uncle, and is linked to Abihail in the account of Esther, where Abihail is the "uncle of Mordecai" [[Esther 2:15]]. Beyond family, it also denotes love or beloved in contexts such as "my beloved" [[Song of Solomon 2:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H32}}` is primarily rooted in its etymology and its role in biblical genealogies.
* **Implication of Name:** The name "Abihail" literally means "father (i.e. possessor) of might," which signifies strength, prominence, or inherent power. When applied to individuals, it suggests their significant standing or the strength of their lineage within the narrative.
* **Emphasis on Lineage and Family:** As a name frequently appearing in genealogies and records of familial relationships ([[Numbers 3:35]], [[1 Chronicles 5:14]]), `{{H32}}` underscores the biblical importance of tracing heritage and the continuation of family lines.
* **Connection to Fatherhood `{{H1}}`:** The component `{{H1}}` 'father' within Abihail connects to broader biblical concepts of fatherhood as a source of authority, origin, and covenantal relationship, as seen where God is referred to as "the God of thy father" [[1 Chronicles 28:9]] and "the everlasting Father" [[Isaiah 9:6]]. This hints at the foundational role of the family and its head in divine plans.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H32}}` **'Ăbîyhayil** is a Hebrew proper name meaning "father (i.e. possessor) of might". Its repeated appearance across genealogies and narratives highlights the importance of family, lineage, and the inherent strength or prominence associated with its bearers. It serves as a concise example of how names in the biblical text often convey significant meaning, linking individuals to foundational concepts of familial origin and strength.
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