Lexical Summary Achim: Achim Original Word: Ἀχείμ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Achim. Probably of Hebrew origin (compare Yowqiym); Achim, an Israelite -- Achim. see HEBREW Yowqiym NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably of Hebrew origin, cf. Yoqim Definition Achim, an ancestor of Christ NASB Translation Achim (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 885: ἈχείμἈχείμ, ὁ, Achim, proper name of one of the ancestors of Christ, not mentioned in the O. T.: Matthew 1:14. Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture Matthew 1:14 is the sole explicit New Testament reference, preserving the name twice in quick succession within the Greek text: “Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud” (Berean Standard Bible). The double appearance reflects textual tradition, not separate persons. Historical Background Achim falls in the post-exilic portion of Matthew’s genealogy, situated between Zadok and Eliud. This era lies in the “silent centuries” between Malachi and the coming of John the Baptist. Although secular records are scarce, Matthew’s list shows that covenant lineage persevered through political upheaval (Persian, Greek, and early Roman control). Naming an otherwise obscure ancestor underscores the divine preservation of David’s royal line even when Israel lacked a throne. Genealogical Context 1. Placement: Fourteenth generation of Matthew’s third set of fourteen (Matthew 1:17), Achim helps complete the deliberately structured pattern that moves from Abraham to David, from David to the Exile, and from the Exile to Messiah. Theological Significance 1. Providence in obscurity: Scripture names Achim once, yet his role is indispensable. The genealogy illustrates how God works through unnamed or little-known individuals to advance redemptive history (compare Hebrews 11:32-40). Ministry Application • Encouragement to the unnoticed: Local church members who serve without public acclaim can recognize that faithfulness, not fame, secures a place in God’s unfolding plan. Connections to the Old Testament Name Pattern The Hebrew root behind Achim likely echoes “brother” language (ʾāḥ) common in names such as Ahijah or Ahimelech. Such names often emphasize familial solidarity, fitting Matthew’s theme of corporate identity culminating in Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Lessons for Today 1. God values each link in His redemptive chain. In the person of Achim, the Gospel of Matthew encapsulates centuries of quiet perseverance, affirming that no generation is overlooked in the sovereign storyline that leads to Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations Αχειμ Ἀχείμ Ἀχεὶμ Ἀχίμ Ἀχὶμ Achim Achím AchìmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 1:14 NGRK: ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἀχίμ Ἀχὶμ δὲ NAS: the father of Achim, and Achim KJV: Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim INT: was father of Achim Achim moreover Matthew 1:14 N |
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