Original Word: אֲחוֹחִי
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: Achowchiy
Pronunciation: a-kho-khee
Phonetic Spelling: (akh-o-khee')
KJV: Ahohite
NASB: Ahohite
Word Origin: [patronymic from H264 (אַחֲוָה - brotherhood)]

1. an Achochite or descendant of Achoach

Ahohite

Patronymic from 'achavah; an Achochite or descendant of Achoach -- Ahohite.

see HEBREW 'achavah

Word Origin
from Achoach
Definition
a desc. of Ahoah
NASB Translation
Ahohite (5).

(אֲחֹחִי) אֲחוֺחִי adjective, of a people 2 Samuel 23:9 (where for ׳בֶּןאֿ read ׳הָא We Dr; reference unknown: Klo proposes בֶּן אִישׁ חַיִ(לׅ compare 2 Samuel 23:20) 2 Samuel 23:28 = 1 Chronicles 11:12,29; 1 Chronicles 27:4.

Genealogical Origin

The designation אֲחוֹחִי refers to descendants of Ahoah, a Benjamite recorded in 1 Chronicles 8:4. The clan name therefore identifies members of the tribe of Benjamin who carried a distinct family loyalty yet became renowned for their service to the Davidic kingdom.

Key Figures Bearing the Designation

• Eleazar son of Dodo (also called Dodai) – One of “the three mighty men” who stood with David against the Philistines when “the men of Israel retreated” (2 Samuel 23:9; 1 Chronicles 11:12).

• Dodai the Ahohite – Commander of the second monthly division of twenty-four thousand troops in David’s standing army (1 Chronicles 27:4). Tradition equates him with Dodo, making him both father and trainer of Eleazar.

• Zalmon the Ahohite – Counted among “the thirty” (2 Samuel 23:28), exemplifying the broader contribution of the clan beyond the inner core.

• Ilai the Ahohite – Also listed among “the thirty” (1 Chronicles 11:29), highlighting continued Ahohite presence in David’s elite guard.

Historical Setting and Narrative Contribution

The Ahohites first appear in the record of David’s early conflicts with the Philistines. Their exploits occur at a pivotal moment when Israel transitions from tribal confederation to united monarchy. Though Benjamites, the Ahohites throw their strength behind the Judean king, illustrating how godly leadership draws loyalty that transcends tribal boundaries.

Eleazar’s stand in the barley field is singled out for divine endorsement: “The LORD brought about a great victory that day” (2 Samuel 23:10). His feat mirrors the earlier heroism of Shammah son of Agee (23:11-12), reminding readers that deliverance is credited to the LORD even while human courage is honored.

Dodai’s command in the rotating army system (1 Chronicles 27) places an Ahohite at the heart of Israel’s emerging military administration. The clan, therefore, influences both battlefield heroics and steady peacetime organization.

Ministry and Discipleship Themes

Loyalty and Covenant Fidelity

Benjamin had produced Saul, the rejected king. Yet these Benjamites commit themselves to David, the covenant king. Their example encourages believers to align with God’s chosen purposes rather than cling to past loyalties.

Perseverance in Spiritual Warfare

Eleazar “struck down the Philistines until his hand grew weary and clung to the sword” (2 Samuel 23:10). The image speaks to steadfastness in spiritual battle, holding fast to the Word of God when strength wanes.

Teamwork within Diversity

The listings of “the three” and “the thirty” reveal graded levels of responsibility in David’s corps. Ahohites occupy several of these strata, demonstrating that one clan can supply both frontline champions and reliable support personnel—each vital to the health of the whole.

Leadership Development

If Dodai and Dodo are the same individual, the text offers a pattern of father-son mentorship culminating in Eleazar’s exploits. God often forges future leaders through close discipleship within the family.

Intertribal Unity under the Anointed King

The fusion of Benjamite Ahohites with Judah’s royal house prefigures the unity Christ brings. Just as David’s throne gathered disparate tribes, the Son of David “has made the two one” (Ephesians 2:14) by reconciling Jew and Gentile. The Ahohites’ service thus provides an Old Testament image of the church’s calling to transcend natural divisions in allegiance to the Messiah.

Legacy

Though mentioned only five times, the Ahohite name becomes synonymous with valor, faithfulness, and administrative competence. Their account encourages God’s people to embrace courageous obedience, confident that the LORD still “works salvation in the midst of the earth” (Psalm 74:12).

אֲחֹחִ֑י אחחי הָֽאֲחֹחִ֔י הָאֲחוֹחִ֑י הָאֲחוֹחִֽי׃ הָאֲחוֹחִי֙ האחוחי האחוחי׃ האחחי ’ă·ḥō·ḥî ’ăḥōḥî achoChi hā’ăḥōḥî hā’ăḥōwḥî hā·’ă·ḥō·ḥî hā·’ă·ḥō·w·ḥî haachoChiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts