אֲחִישָׁר
𐤀𐤇𐤉𐤔𐤓
Achishar
H301 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper name, masculine: Ahishar. An Israelite man identified in 1 Kings 4:6 as an official under King Solomon, specifically described as being "over the household." The name is constructed from two elements: 'achi-' (my brother; brother of) and '-shar' (singing, song, or possibly a personal or honorific suffix). The definition as a personal name does not carry an independent common noun meaning but reflects the naming practices and possible allusion to familial or personal qualities (such as musical aptitude or association).
Semantic Range
proper name of an Israelite man, literal sense 'brother of song' or 'my brother is song/singing' (if second element from שִׁיר), possible alternative derivations obscured; does not function as a common noun
Root / Etymology
Derived from אָח (ach, 'brother') + uncertain second element, likely from שִׁיר (shir, 'song, singing'), but possibly a theophoric or honorific element is present. The name construction resembles the pattern of compound Hebrew names formed with 'achi-' as the first component. Etymology of the second element is debated.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Ahishar (אֲחִישָׁר) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible (1 Kings 4:6), as a high official under Solomon, designated as 'over the household' (i.e., chief steward or palace manager). The second element (שָׁר, shâr) in the name is not the common שַׁר ('prince, ruler') but may reflect שִׁיר ('song') or be an abbreviated/unusual formation. The personal name does not designate membership in a particular group, occupation, or location. Traditional English translations standardly render the name as 'Ahishar,' and earlier translations sometimes give meaning glosses ("brother of song"). The rendering 'Jew' or 'Jewish' is anachronistic for this period; as an official of Solomon, Ahishar would be counted among the Israelites. Theophoric or other semantic associations are possible but uncertain. The name's construction is similar to other Israelite personal names of the monarchic period, often built from familial or aspirational elements.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from אָח and שִׁיר; brother of (the) singer; Achishar, an Israelite; Ahishar.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אח + שיר (ʾ-ḥ + š-y-r) — brother, song, singing
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H301-01 |
וַ/אֲחִישָׁ֖ר | vaachishar | HC/Np |
and Ahishar | and Brother-of-Song | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H301-01 |
1 Kings 4:6 | וַ/אֲחִישָׁ֖ר | vaachishar | HC/Np |
and Ahishar | and Brother-of-Song |