from עָכַר; troublesome; Akar, an Israelite; Achar. Compare עָכָן.
Transliteration:ʻÂkâr
Pronunciation:aw-kawr'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun עָכָר (ʻÂkâr, `{{H5917}}`) is directly derived from the verb עָכַר (ʻākar, `{{H6128}}`), meaning "to trouble, disturb, stir up, make turbid, or afflict." As a personal name, ʻÂkâr thus signifies "Troubler" or "One who troubles." This is not merely a descriptive name but a pejorative epithet deliberately assigned to an individual whose actions brought severe distress and divine judgment upon the community. The renaming from עָכָן (ʻĀḵān, `{{H5918}}`) to עָכָר in [[1 Chronicles 2:7]] is a significant semantic shift, transforming a name that might have originally meant "serpent" or "twisted" into one that explicitly labels the individual as the source of trouble, forever linking his identity to his transgression.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole occurrence of עָכָר (ʻÂkâr, `{{H5917}}`) in the biblical text is found in [[1 Chronicles 2:7]]: "The sons of Carmi: Achar, the troubler of Israel, who transgressed regarding the devoted thing." This verse is crucial as it explicitly renames Achan (`{{H5918}}`), the son of Carmi, whose sin is detailed in [[Joshua 7]]. In Joshua's account, Achan violated the divine command concerning the devoted things (ḥērem) taken from Jericho, secretly taking a cloak, silver, and gold. His transgression led to Israel's defeat at Ai and brought God's wrath upon the entire community. The Lord Himself declared, "Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions" [[Joshua 7:11]].
The Chronicler's deliberate choice to refer to Achan as "Achar" underscores the lasting impact of his sin. By renaming him "the troubler of Israel," the text ensures that his identity is perpetually intertwined with the corporate distress and divine judgment he caused. This renaming serves as a powerful mnemonic device, reminding future generations of the severe consequences of disobedience and the principle of corporate solidarity within the covenant community. The phrase "the troubler of Israel" is a direct echo of Joshua's words to Achan: "Why have you troubled us? The LORD will trouble you today" [[Joshua 7:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is עָכָן (ʻĀḵān, `{{H5918}}`), which is the original name of the individual who is later called עָכָר (ʻÂkâr, `{{H5917}}`). The connection between these two names is essential for understanding the theological significance of the renaming.
Furthermore, the verbal root עָכַר (ʻākar, `{{H6128}}`), from which ʻÂkâr is derived, is central. This verb appears in various contexts to denote causing trouble or disturbance:
* In [[Genesis 34:30]], Jacob fears that the actions of Simeon and Levi have "troubled" him, making him odious to the inhabitants of the land.
* In [[Joshua 6:18]], the Israelites are warned not to "trouble" the camp by taking devoted things.
* In [[1 Samuel 14:29]], Jonathan laments that his father Saul has "troubled" the land through his rash oath.
* [[Proverbs 11:29]] states, "Whoever troubles his own household will inherit wind."
Concepts closely associated with ʻÂkâr include:
* **Corporate Solidarity/Responsibility:** Achan's individual sin brought trouble upon the entire nation, highlighting the interconnectedness of the covenant community.
* ***Ḥērem* (Devoted Thing):** The specific nature of Achan's transgression involved violating the command concerning items devoted to God for destruction.
* **Divine Justice and Judgment:** God's swift and severe response to Achan's sin demonstrates His holiness and intolerance for rebellion within His covenant people.
* **Consequence of Sin:** The renaming of Achan to Achar serves as a perpetual reminder of the dire consequences of disobedience.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עָכָר (ʻÂkâr, `{{H5917}}`) is profound. It functions as a stark theological commentary on the nature and impact of sin within a holy community.
1. **The Gravity of Sin:** By renaming Achan "Achar," the biblical text emphasizes that sin is not a private matter but has far-reaching, troubling consequences that affect the entire body. Achan's covetous act, though seemingly personal, "troubled" the entire nation of Israel, leading to defeat, divine displeasure, and ultimately, the loss of life.
2. **Corporate Accountability:** The narrative powerfully illustrates the principle of corporate solidarity. While Achan was the individual transgressor, the consequence of his sin was initially borne by the whole community, demonstrating that the actions of one member can affect the well-being and standing of the collective before God.
3. **God's Holiness and Justice:** The renaming underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand for purity within His covenant people. His righteous judgment against Achan and the subsequent purging of the "troubler" from Israel was necessary to restore the nation's relationship with God and ensure their success in the conquest.
4. **A Lasting Memorial:** The Chronicler's use of ʻÂkâr ensures that Achan's story is not merely a historical record but a perpetual theological warning. It serves as an enduring lesson about the destructive power of disobedience and the necessity of complete obedience to God's commands for the well-being of the community.
### Summary
עָכָר (ʻÂkâr, `{{H5917}}`) is a unique and theologically charged proper noun, derived from the Hebrew verb עָכַר (to trouble). It is the deliberate renaming of Achan (`{{H5918}}`) in [[1 Chronicles 2:7]], serving as a perpetual label that identifies him as "the troubler of Israel." This renaming is a direct consequence of his transgression in [[Joshua 7]], where his sin of taking devoted things brought divine wrath and defeat upon the entire Israelite community. The use of ʻÂkâr powerfully underscores the severe and far-reaching consequences of sin, the principle of corporate solidarity within God's covenant people, and the unwavering nature of God's holiness and justice in dealing with disobedience. It stands as a solemn reminder that individual actions can profoundly "trouble" the collective and that purity and obedience are paramount for the flourishing of the community in God's sight.
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