Ahaz
Ahaz in the Bible — King of Judah, son of Jotham (2KI 15:38). Ahaz belonged to the tribe of Judah. Referenced in 6 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “one that takes or possesses”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Judah
- Scripture References
- 6 references
- Known Names
- 3 names
- Relationships
- 3 connections
Biography
Ahaz was a male king from the tribe of Judah, noted as the son of Jotham. He ruled as King of Judah but did not follow the righteous ways of David, his forefather, failing to do what was right in the sight of the LORD. His reign is marked by spiritual decline and disobedience to God.
Names & Titles
The name 'Ahaz' means 'he has grasped,' reflecting a proper Hebrew name. His titles, including 'King Ahaz' and 'King of Judah,' identify his royal status but do not carry a divine origin or special meaning beyond his position as monarch.
Family
Scripture explicitly records Ahaz as the son of Jotham. It is also inferred that he was the father of Hezekiah and Maaseiah, indicating his place within the Davidic lineage and the royal succession of Judah.
Significance
Ahaz is significant in the biblical narrative as a king who exemplified spiritual apostasy by engaging in idolatry and abandoning the faithful practices of his ancestors. His reliance on foreign powers rather than trusting God led to political and spiritual consequences for Judah. His actions, including desecrating the temple and adopting pagan practices, serve as a cautionary example of unfaithfulness and the dangers of forsaking God's covenant.
Key Events
Names & Labels (3)
- Hebrew
- אָחָז
- Transliteration
- achaz
- Meaning
- he has grasped
- Greek
- Αχαζ
- Reference
- 2KI 15:38
- Strong's
- H271
- Hebrew
- מֶּלֶךְ אָחָז
- Transliteration
- melek achaz
- Meaning
- king Ahaz
- Greek
- βασιλεὺς Αχαζ
- Reference
- 2KI 16:10
- Strong's
- H4428, H271
- Hebrew
- מֶלֶך יְהוּדָה
- Transliteration
- melek yəhudah
- Meaning
- king of Judah
- Greek
- βασιλεῖ Ιουδα
- Reference
- 2KI 17:1
- Strong's
- H4428, H3063
Notes
He did not do right in the sight of the LORD as David his father had done (2CH 28:1)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ahaz in the Bible?
Ahaz was a male king from the tribe of Judah, noted as the son of Jotham. He ruled as King of Judah but did not follow the righteous ways of David, his forefather, failing to do what was right in the sight of the LORD. His reign is marked by spiritual decline and disobedience to God.
What does the name Ahaz mean?
The name Ahaz means “one that takes or possesses” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.