Original Word: אֲחִישָׁר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Achiyshar
Pronunciation: ah-khee-shar
Phonetic Spelling: (akh-ee-shawr')
KJV: Ahishar
NASB: Ahishar
Word Origin: [from H251 (אָח - brother) and H7891 (שִׁיר שׁוּר - singers)]

1. brother of (the) singer
2. Achishar, an Israelite

Ahishar

From 'ach and shiyr; brother of (the) singer; Achishar, an Israelite -- Ahishar.

see HEBREW 'ach

see HEBREW shiyr

Word Origin
from ach and shir
Definition
"my brother has sung," one of Solomon's officials
NASB Translation
Ahishar (1).

אֲחִישָׁר proper name, masculine (my brother has sung) over Solomon's household 1 Kings 4:6.

Biblical Context

Ahishar appears only once in Scripture, within the summary of King Solomon’s administrative cabinet: “Ahishar was in charge of the household” (1 Kings 4:6). His inclusion in this carefully ordered list—flanked by Jehoshaphat the recorder and Adoniram the overseer of forced labor—emphasizes that even a single-verse figure contributes to the ordered structure by which the Lord blessed Israel in Solomon’s golden age.

Historical Background

The reign of Solomon (mid-tenth century BC) was characterized by international peace, unprecedented building projects, and flourishing wisdom literature (1 Kings 4:20-34). To govern this wide-ranging enterprise, Solomon appointed officers over the military, taxation districts, provincial administration, priesthood, and internal palace affairs. The title “in charge of the household” (Hebrew: over the bayith) corresponds to a chief steward or palace administrator, comparable to Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:40) and later to Eliakim under Hezekiah (Isaiah 22:20-22). Thus Ahishar held a position of high trust—managing royal residences, staff, provisions, and the daily logistics of a court that hosted foreign dignitaries and supervised national projects.

Administrative Role Under Solomon

1. Custody of Royal Resources: He would have overseen storehouses, domestic treasury, kitchens, and guest accommodations (cf. 1 Kings 10:5).
2. Liaison for Court Etiquette: Ensuring compliance with ceremonial protocol reinforced both the king’s dignity and covenantal testimony to surrounding nations (1 Kings 4:34).
3. Oversight of Personnel: Servants, craftsmen, and guards operating within palace precincts fell under his supervision, mirroring the later household officials who served Joash (2 Kings 12:10-11).
4. Accountability: Because “every matter was brought before King Solomon” (1 Kings 3:28), Ahishar’s stewardship demanded integrity; any failure would compromise the king’s reputation and, by extension, the witness of Israel’s covenant God.

Spiritual Lessons and Theological Themes

• God Values Faithful Administration. Though mentioned briefly, Ahishar embodies the biblical principle that the Lord esteems those who serve in supportive yet essential roles (Luke 12:42).
• Order Reflects Divine Wisdom. Solomon’s well-structured court illustrates how godly order produces peace and prosperity; Ahishar’s duties contributed to the fulfillment of promises given to David concerning his son’s reign (2 Samuel 7:13).
• Anticipation of the Greater King. The office “over the household” foreshadows Christ, the perfect Steward who “was faithful over God’s house as a Son” (Hebrews 3:6). Ahishar’s limited faithfulness points to the flawless administration of the Messiah’s kingdom.

Related Passages and Cross-References

Genesis 39:4; 41:40 — Joseph as household overseer.

1 Chronicles 27:25-31 — David’s stewards of royal property.

2 Kings 18:18; Isaiah 22:15-22 — Shebna and Eliakim, holders of the palace key.

Matthew 24:45-47 — The faithful and wise servant set over the household.

Hebrews 3:1-6 — Christ’s superior stewardship.

Legacy in the Biblical Narrative

Although Scripture records nothing further about Ahishar’s life, his appointment during the height of Israel’s unity and prosperity affirms that every administrative office, great or small, serves God’s overarching redemptive plan. The solitary reference encourages believers to value unnoticed service, confident that the Lord records every act of stewardship in His eternal annals.

וַאֲחִישָׁ֖ר ואחישר vaachiShar wa’ăḥîšār wa·’ă·ḥî·šārInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts