885. Achim
Lexical Summary
Achim: Achim

Original Word: Ἀχείμ
Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable
Transliteration: Achim
Pronunciation: ah-KHEEM
Phonetic Spelling: (akh-ime')
KJV: Achim
NASB: Achim
Word Origin: [probably of Hebrew origin]

1. Achim, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Achim.

Probably of Hebrew origin (compare Yowqiym); Achim, an Israelite -- Achim.

see HEBREW Yowqiym

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
probably of Hebrew origin, cf. Yoqim
Definition
Achim, an ancestor of Christ
NASB Translation
Achim (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 885: Ἀχείμ

Ἀχείμ, , 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.
2. Link to Davidic promise: By maintaining the chain from Zerubbabel’s grandfather Azor down to Joseph, Achim participates in the fulfillment of 2 Samuel 7:12-16, confirming Jesus’ legal right to David’s throne.
3. Legal versus biological descent: Matthew traces the legal line through Joseph, showing Christ’s royal credentials, while Luke traces biological descent through Mary. The presence of Achim reinforces that legality within Judaic custom depended on documented ancestry.

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).
2. Continuity of Scripture: The mention of Achim, though unsupported by extra-biblical records, fits seamlessly into the Old Testament pattern of genealogies. It demonstrates the unity between covenants and validates the New Testament’s historical reliability.
3. Messiah’s universal reach: By recording both noteworthy and otherwise forgotten ancestors, Matthew signals that Christ identifies with all humanity, prominent and obscure alike (Philippians 2:7).

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.
• Generational responsibility: Parents and leaders are reminded that their spiritual legacy, though unseen, may influence future generations critical to God’s purposes (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).
• Assurance of divine oversight: Just as Achim’s name was preserved for millennia, so every believer’s life is recorded before God (Malachi 3:16; Revelation 20:12).

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.
2. Historical faithfulness prepares the stage for divine breakthroughs.
3. Scriptural genealogies are not mere records; they are testimonies to covenant fidelity.

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 Achìm
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 1:14 N
GRK: 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
GRK: τὸν Ἀχίμ Ἀχὶμ δὲ ἐγέννησεν
NAS: of Achim, and Achim the father
KJV: Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
INT: Achim Achim moreover was father of

Strong's Greek 885
2 Occurrences


Ἀχίμ — 2 Occ.

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