אַחְלַי
𐤀𐤇𐤋𐤉
Achelay
H304 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper name referring to an Israelite female, and possibly an Israelite male, cited as the mother of Zabad (a warrior in David's army) and as the daughter of Sheshan in genealogical listings. The meaning of the name is uncertain, but some propose a connection to a root suggesting desire or wish, though this is debated. The name appears only in genealogical contexts.
Semantic Range
personal name; possibly 'wishful' or 'longed for' (if root is correct); used as the name of an Israelite woman and as the matronymic for a warrior
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew root אחל (to implore, wish, request) or possibly from a similar form with a connection to longing or prayer. The exact etymology remains uncertain and is disputed among scholars; the name may reflect a wish or a prayer expressed at the child's birth, but direct evidence is lacking.
Historical & Contextual Notes
אַחְלַי occurs in 1 Chronicles 2:31, 2:34-35, and 1 Chronicles 11:41. In 1 Chronicles 2:31 and 2:34-35, Achlai is presented as the daughter of Sheshan, who is married (via her father's arrangement) to his Egyptian servant, with their son being Jerahmeel. In 1 Chronicles 11:41, Achlai is cited as the mother of Zabad, listed among David's mighty warriors. The name is identified with certainty as female in the genealogies; less clear in the warrior context, but consistent with maternal lineage references common in certain chronicles. English versions, especially early ones, sometimes transliterate as Ahlai or Achlai, and occasionally as if masculine, but the genealogies indicate a female referent. The meaning 'wishful' reflects a speculative link to the root for request or longing, but this is not assured. The name is unique and appears only in late genealogies (Chronicles); it does not appear in earlier Israelite historical narratives. There is no indication that the later term 'Jew' or its social identity applies; the individuals are Israelite by tribal identification, specifically associated with the tribe of Judah. The translation as a personal name is generally accurate, with meaning being secondary or intentionally opaque in the Biblical text.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as אַחֲלַי; wishful; Achlai, the name of an Israelitess and of an Israelite; Ahlai.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אחל (ʾ-ḥ-l) — to implore, wish, request
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H304-01 |
אַחְלָֽי | achelay | HNp |
Ahlai | Longed-for One | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H304-01 |
1 Chronicles 2:31 | אַחְלָֽי | achelay | HNp |
Ahlai | Longed-for One |
H304-01 |
1 Chronicles 11:41 | אַחְלָֽי | achelay | HNp |
Ahlai | Longed-for One |