אֲחַרְחֵל
𐤀𐤇𐤓𐤇𐤋
Acharechel
H316 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A proper name designating an individual, specifically 'Aharhel,' found in genealogical records. The meaning is uncertain due to debated etymology, but the form may suggest an association with the idea of 'behind a rampart/entrenchment' or 'back (of) military strength.' The word functions exclusively as a personal name in the Hebrew Bible, with no evidence that it was used otherwise in ancient Hebrew contexts.
Semantic Range
personal name only; possibly 'behind the rampart,' 'after strength,' or a symbolic formula; no use as a common noun or verb
Root / Etymology
Likely a compound from אַחַר (achar, 'after, behind') + חֵיל (cheil, 'strength, prowess, rampart'), though the precise relationship between the elements and the personal name function is uncertain. As a proper name, the meaning may be idiomatic or symbolic rather than compositional. Etymology uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
אֲחַרְחֵל occurs only in genealogical lists (1 Chronicles 4:8), where it designates a descendant of Judah. The name construction aligns with a pattern of theophoric or descriptive names among ancient Israelites, often combining directional/adverbial roots (like אַחַר) with terms denoting strength or protection (such as חֵיל). There is no evidence of independent lexical use outside of personal names, nor any direct relationship to later Judaean or 'Jewish' identities. English translations typically transliterate the name (Aharhel or Acharhel), reflecting its status as a unique personal name with meaning opaque to most readers. The proposed meaning, 'behind the rampart' or 'after the entrenchment,' is interpretive and not certain. Comparisons to similar constructions (such as אָחֵר 'Aher' or names incorporating cheil 'strength, rampart') may suggest a protective or military association, though the lack of supporting context makes this conjectural.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from אַחַר and חֵיל; behind (the) intrenchment (i.e. safe); Acharchel, an Israelite; Aharhel,
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אחר, חיל (ʾ-ḥ-r; ḥ-y-l) — behind, after; strength, might, rampart
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H316-01 |
אֲחַרְחֵ֖ל | acharechel | HNp |
of Aharhel | Aharhel | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H316-01 |
1 Chronicles 4:8 | אֲחַרְחֵ֖ל | acharechel | HNp |
of Aharhel | Aharhel |