Achish
Achish in the Bible — King of Gath (1SA 21:10) before whom David feigned madness. Referenced in 4 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “thus it is; how is this”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 4 references
- Known Names
- 3 names
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Achish is a male figure known as the King of Gath, a Philistine city. He is notably mentioned in the context of David feigning madness before him, illustrating a significant interaction in the biblical narrative. No tribal affiliation or additional notes are provided beyond his kingship and this event.
Names & Titles
The name Achish means 'the king gives,' reflecting a royal or generous connotation. He is also identified by the title 'King of Gath,' indicating his ruling authority over that city. Additionally, the name Abimelech, meaning '[my] father is king or [my] father is Molech,' is associated with him, although this is less directly connected to his primary identity.
Family
Scripture records that Achish is the son of Maoch, establishing a direct familial lineage. Beyond this, no other family relationships are documented in the provided information.
Significance
Achish's significance lies in his role as a Philistine king who interacted with David during a critical moment when David sought refuge and feigned madness to protect himself. This encounter highlights the complexities of David's early life and the political dynamics of the time. Achish's position as King of Gath situates him as a key figure in the narrative surrounding David's rise and the challenges he faced.
Names & Labels (3)
- Hebrew
- אָכִ֖ישׁ
- Transliteration
- akhiysh
- Meaning
- the king gives
- Greek
- Αγχους
- Reference
- 1SA 21:10
- Strong's
- H397
- Hebrew
- מֶ֥לֶךְ גַּֽת
- Transliteration
- melek gat
- Meaning
- king of Gath
- Greek
- βασιλέα Γεθ
- Reference
- 1SA 21:10
- Strong's
- H4428, H1661
- Hebrew
- אֲבִימֶלֶךְ
- Transliteration
- aviymelekh
- Meaning
- [my] father is king or [my] father is Molech
- Greek
- Αβιμελεχ
- Reference
- PSA 34:0
- Strong's
- H40
Family & Relationships (1)
son
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Achish in the Bible?
Achish is a male figure known as the King of Gath, a Philistine city. He is notably mentioned in the context of David feigning madness before him, illustrating a significant interaction in the biblical narrative. No tribal affiliation or additional notes are provided beyond his kingship and this event.
What does the name Achish mean?
The name Achish means “thus it is; how is this” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.