The meaning of “אָחוֹת”
Understanding ʼâchôwth reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
irregular feminine of אָח (an-) other, sister, together. - a sister (used very widely (like brother), literally and figu...
אָחוֹת
irregular feminine of אָח (an-) other, sister, together. - a sister (used very widely (like brother), literally and figuratively) 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1)(metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 26:9 | “And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, of a surety she is thy wife: and how saidst thou, She is my sister? And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for her.” Word: אָחוֹת (ʼâchôwth) | |
| Numbers 25:18 | “For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor’s sake. ” Word: אָחוֹת (ʼâchôwth) | |
| Judges 15:2 | “And her father said, I verily thought that thou hadst utterly hated her; therefore I gave her to thy companion: is not her younger sister fairer than she? take her, I pray thee, instead of her.” Word: אָחוֹת (ʼâchôwth) | |
| 2 Kings 11:2 | “But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king’s sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.” Word: אָחוֹת (ʼâchôwth) | |
| Job 17:14 | “I have said to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother, and my sister.” Word: אָחוֹת (ʼâchôwth) |