Agag(2)
Agag in the Bible — king of the Amalekites (1SA 15:8). Referenced in 4 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “roof; upper floor”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 4 references
- Known Names
- 2 names
- Relationships
- 2 connections
Biography
Agag was a male king of the Amalekites, a people descended from Amalek. His role as king is specifically noted in 1 Samuel 15:8, highlighting his leadership over this enemy nation of Israel. There is no additional tribal affiliation or personal notes recorded about him in Scripture.
Names & Titles
The name Agag likely means 'violent,' reflecting perhaps the nature or reputation of this individual. He is also identified by the title 'King of the Amalekites,' which directly states his royal authority over the Amalekite people. Neither name was given by God but are descriptive and historical identifiers.
Family
Scripture explicitly records that Agag was a descendant of Amalek, linking him to the founding ancestor of the Amalekite nation. It is also inferred that he descended from Hammedatha, as noted in Esther 3:1, though this is an indirect connection. Beyond these, no further family relationships are detailed in the biblical text.
Significance
Agag's significance lies in his position as the Amalekite king during a key conflict with Israel, representing the ongoing enmity between Israel and Amalek. His defeat and interactions with Israelite leaders illustrate God's judgment against Amalek as an enemy of His people. Agag embodies the opposition to God's covenant community, serving as a symbol of the spiritual and physical battles faced by Israel.
Names & Labels (2)
- Hebrew
- אֲגַ֥ג
- Transliteration
- agag
- Meaning
- [poss.] violent
- Greek
- Αγαγ
- Reference
- 1SA 15:8
- Strong's
- H90
- Hebrew
- מֶֽלֶךְ־עֲמָלֵק
- Transliteration
- melek amaleq
- Meaning
- king [of] Amalek
- Greek
- βασιλέα Αμαληκ
- Reference
- 1SA 15:8
- Strong's
- H4428, H6002
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Agag in the Bible?
Agag was a male king of the Amalekites, a people descended from Amalek. His role as king is specifically noted in 1 Samuel 15:8, highlighting his leadership over this enemy nation of Israel. There is no additional tribal affiliation or personal notes recorded about him in Scripture.
What does the name Agag mean?
The name Agag means “roof; upper floor” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.