Lexical Summary Achlay: Achlay Original Word: אַחְלַי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ahlai The same as 'achalay; wishful; Achlai, the name of an Israelitess and of an Israelite -- Ahlai. see HEBREW 'achalay NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition an Isr. name NASB Translation Ahlai (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַחְלָ֑י proper name. (DlPr 210 transitive O ! would that! (compare אַחְלַי below III. אָח above) & compare interjectional Babylonian name A—ulapia, O! that I at last! ZimBP 116; compare Ol§ 277; otherwise HalJAS 7, x. 360) 1. feminine daughter of Sheshan 1 Chronicles 2:31; so Be Öttli and others in view of 1 Chronicles 2:34. 2. masculine father of one of David's mighty men (not in 2 Samuel 23) 1 Chronicles 11:41. אַחְלָב see חלב. Topical Lexicon Name and Occurrences Achlai (transliterated “Ahlai” in most English versions) is found twice in the Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 2:31 and 1 Chronicles 11:41. The brief appearance hides a rich placement within the inspired genealogies and the military roll of David’s mighty men, providing a window into covenant faithfulness across generations. Genealogical Context in Judah 1 Chronicles 2 records Judah’s line, moving from the patriarch to post-exilic descendants. Within this list Sheshan, a man without sons, is highlighted: “Sheshan had no sons, only daughters” (1 Chronicles 2:34). The chronicler then names “Ahlai” (verse 31) as the continuation of Sheshan’s house. By noting a daughter rather than a son, Scripture underscores God’s providence in preserving family heritage through unexpected means—anticipating the later prominence of daughters such as Zelophehad’s and even Mary of Nazareth. Sheshan later marries his daughter to his Egyptian servant Jarha (verses 34-35), integrating a Gentile into Judah’s lineage. Achlai thus sits at a pivotal junction where grace overcomes social convention and the promises to Judah advance through a mixed household. Connection to David’s Mighty Men The same chronicler reintroduces the family centuries later when listing David’s elite warriors: “Zabad son of Ahlai” (1 Chronicles 11:41). Zabad shares a verse with “Uriah the Hittite,” reminding readers that the king’s inner circle crossed ethnic and familial boundaries yet remained firmly committed to the covenant. Achlai, therefore, is the parent (likely mother) of a hero who risked his life for the anointed king. The placement testifies that faithfulness in the quiet sphere of family life can bear fruit in national blessing and military courage several generations on. Historical Significance Chronicles was compiled for a post-exilic audience anxious about identity and inheritance. By preserving Achlai’s name the writer reassured returnees that God never loses track of His people, male or female, native or foreign-born. Moreover, the pairing of genealogical and military records forms a narrative bridge: the household of Judah supplies leaders for Israel’s battles, illustrating that covenant lineage fuels covenant service. Ministry Reflections 1. God Sees Every Individual: Even the seemingly obscure Achlai receives permanent record in Scripture, encouraging believers who labor unnoticed. Lessons for Today Believers may find in Achlai a call to trust God’s sovereign weaving of individual lives into His redemptive tapestry. Quiet obedience in the present can echo into future generations, raising up men and women after God’s heart who, like Zabad, stand courageously beside the Son of David. Forms and Transliterations אַחְלָֽי׃ אחלי׃ ’aḥ·lāy ’aḥlāy achLaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 2:31 HEB: וּבְנֵ֥י שֵׁשָׁ֖ן אַחְלָֽי׃ NAS: And the son of Sheshan [was] Ahlai. KJV: And the children of Sheshan; Ahlai. INT: and the son of Sheshan Ahlai 1 Chronicles 11:41 2 Occurrences |
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