277. Achi

Lexical Summary

Achi: Achi

Original Word: אֲחִי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Achiy
Pronunciation: ah-KHEE
Phonetic Spelling: (akh-ee')
KJV: Ahi
NASB: Ahi
Word Origin: [from H251 (אָח - brother)]

1. brotherly
2. Achi, the name of two Israelites

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Ahi

From 'ach; brotherly; Achi, the name of two Israelites -- Ahi.

see HEBREW 'ach

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from ach and Yah
Definition
"brother of Yah," an Isr. name
NASB Translation
Ahi (2).

Topical Lexicon

Name and Meaning within Redemptive History

Ahi, meaning “my brother” or “brotherly,” appears twice in the inspired record. Though briefly mentioned, the name highlights the covenantal ideal of fraternal solidarity within Israel, anticipating the New Testament call to brotherly love (Hebrews 13:1).

Occurrences and Genealogical Placement

1 Chronicles 5:15 places Ahi in the tribe of Gad: “Ahi son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, was head of their family.”

1 Chronicles 7:34 lists another man of the same name in the tribe of Asher: “The sons of Shomer: Ahi, Rohgah, Hubbah, and Aram.”

Historical Context

The Chronicler compiled these genealogies after the exile to reassure the returning remnant of their unbroken link to the patriarchs. By naming otherwise obscure clan heads like Ahi, Scripture affirms that every family line, whether east of the Jordan (Gad) or along the northern coastline (Asher), remained under the watchful providence of God.

Tribal Significance

• Gad: Known for valor (1 Chronicles 12:8), the Gadites defended Israel’s frontier. Ahi’s designation as “head” shows that even martial tribes required orderly, covenant-faithful leadership.
• Asher: Blessed for abundance (Deuteronomy 33:24), Asher supplied agricultural riches to the nation. Ahi of Asher illustrates how spiritual prosperity rests on remembered ancestry as much as on fertile soil.

Theological and Ministry Implications

1. God values every name. Genealogies are not filler but testimony that “The LORD knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19).
2. Leadership is relational. A name meaning “my brother” heading a clan reminds today’s shepherds that authority is exercised in brotherly care, not domination (1 Peter 5:2-3).
3. Diversity within unity. Two different tribes, two different callings—warrior and provider—yet both share the same covenant name, modeling the varied gifts but single body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).

Christological Foreshadowing

The covenant family culminates in the Firstborn “who is not ashamed to call them brothers” (Hebrews 2:11). Every Old Testament “Ahi” whispers of the ultimate Brother who unites scattered families into one redeemed household (Ephesians 2:19).

Applications for Contemporary Discipleship

• Record and rehearse God’s faithfulness in your own lineage; testimony strengthens identity.
• Cultivate brotherly leadership marked by humility and service.
• Celebrate differing callings within the church while guarding doctrinal and relational unity.

Key References

1 Chronicles 5:15

1 Chronicles 7:34

Forms and Transliterations

אֲחִ֥י אֲחִי֙ אחי ’ă·ḥî ’ăḥî aChi

Englishman's Concordance

1 Chronicles 5:15
HEB: אֲחִי֙ בֶּן־ עַבְדִּיאֵ֣ל
NAS: Ahi the son of Abdiel,
KJV: Ahi the son of Abdiel,
INT: Ahi the son of Abdiel

1 Chronicles 7:34
HEB: וּבְנֵ֖י שָׁ֑מֶר אֲחִ֥י [וְרֹוהֲגָה כ]
NAS: of Shemer [were] Ahi and Rohgah,
KJV: of Shamer; Ahi, and Rohgah,
INT: the sons of Shemer Ahi Rohgah Jehubbah

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 277
2 Occurrences

’ă·ḥî — 2 Occ.