אַחֵר

𐤀𐤇𐤓

Acher

H313 noun

SILEX Entry

Root אַחַר to be behind, to differ, to follow, to be another

Definition

A personal name denoting an individual in biblical genealogies; in the context of 1 Chronicles 7:12, the name belongs to a descendant of Benjamin and likely reflects the Hebrew common noun meaning 'another' or 'other.' This proper noun does not denote an abstract quality or attribute, but serves as an identifier for a specific Israelite individual. The semantic range is restricted to the usage as a personal name in the genealogical record.

Semantic Range

personal name; 'Another' or 'Other' as a name, used only as a proper noun in genealogical context

Root / Etymology

From the root אחר (AChR), meaning 'to be behind, differ, follow, be another.' The name likely means 'Another' or 'Other,' derived from the common adjective אחר. The formation and use of common adjectives as personal names is well attested in ancient Israelite naming practices.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The name occurs in 1 Chronicles 7:12, designating an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin during the pre-exilic period. The name reflects a broader Hebrew practice of deriving personal names from ordinary adjectives or nouns, sometimes to express birth order, distinction, or hope for difference. The English translations (sometimes transliterated as 'Aher,' sometimes rendered as 'Acher') do not reflect any broader connotations beyond its genealogical function. The name is distinct from its adjectival use ('another, different') and should not be confused with theological or polemical Hebrew uses of אחר in later periods (such as 'heretic' or 'one who follows another path').

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

the same as אַחֵר; Acher, an Israelite; Aher.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אחר (ʾ-ḥ-r) — to be behind, to follow, to be different

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H268 אָחוֹר rear
H309 אָחַר he delayed
H310 אַחַר after, behind
H311 אַחַר behind / after
H312 אַחֵר another (masculine)

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H313-01 אַחֵֽר acher HNp Aher another one 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H313-01 1 Chronicles 7:12 אַחֵֽר acher HNp Aher another one