אֲחַשְׁתָּרִי
𐤀𐤇𐤔𐤕𐤓𐤉
Achashetari
H326 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A member of a group or family designated as the 'Ahashtarite.' This term occurs only in the context of a genealogical list and likely indicates clan or regional affiliation within Israelite society rather than serving as a personal name. Its precise meaning is uncertain; it is possibly a designation for descendants of a person or founder bearing a name of non-Hebrew, likely Persian origin.
Semantic Range
clan or family designation, group identity marker, possibly ethnic or geographic derivative; not clearly defined as personal name, title, or office
Root / Etymology
The term is most likely of foreign derivation, possibly Persian, as indicated by its form and the context of its appearance during the period of Persian influence in the ancient Near East. It does not transparently derive from a recognizable Hebrew root. Etymology uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
אֲחַשְׁתָּרִי (ʼăchashtârîy) appears in 1 Chronicles 11:43 as a designation for one of David's warriors, where it likely identifies him according to his lineage, family, or regional group rather than personal achievement or nationality. The term is an example of a biblical gentilic or clan reference whose precise meaning has been lost. Some suggest a connection to an Iranian (Persian) administrative or social term, especially since structurally similar words (e.g., Persian 'akhashtara' for courier, envoy) occur in extrabiblical Persian contexts; however, no direct link to a function or office can be substantiated from biblical evidence. In later biblical tradition and English translations, specificity is often lost, and the term may be simply transliterated or rendered as a personal or clan name. There is no evidence that 'Ahashtarite' designates a courier, envoy, or official role in the biblical context. Related terms: The only usage is as a marker of group identity within the Israelite military elite. English translations often provide simply a transliteration, given the uncertainty.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably of Persian derivation; an achastarite (i.e. courier); the designation (rather than name) of an Israelite; Haakashtari (includ. the article).
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אחשׁתר (uncertain, foreign) (ʾ-ḥ-š-t-r (uncertain)) — uncertain; clan affiliation, group identity
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H326-01 |
הָ/אֲחַשְׁתָּרִ֑י | haachashetari | HTd/Np |
Haahashtari | the Ahashtarite clansman | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H326-01 |
1 Chronicles 4:6 | הָ/אֲחַשְׁתָּרִ֑י | haachashetari | HTd/Np |
Haahashtari | the Ahashtarite clansman |