Ahimelech
Ahimelech in the Bible — the priest of Nob (1SA 21:1). Ahimelech belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 4 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “my brother is a king; my king's brother”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 4 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 3 connections
Biography
Ahimelech was a male priest from the tribe of Levi, known specifically as the priest of Nob. His role as a priest placed him in a significant religious position during the time recorded in 1 Samuel. The biblical account does not provide additional personal notes about him beyond his priestly office.
Names & Titles
The name Ahimelech means '[my] brother is king,' reflecting a Hebrew proper name with a meaningful theophoric element. This name was not given directly by God but carries significance related to kinship and authority within the biblical context.
Family
Ahimelech was the son of Ahitub and the father of Abiathar, establishing a priestly lineage. He was also killed by Doeg, an event noted in the biblical narrative. These relationships highlight both his family connections and the tragic circumstances of his death.
Significance
Ahimelech's significance lies in his priestly service at Nob, a central location for Israel's worship. His role connects to critical moments in Israel's history, especially involving David's flight and the conflict with Saul. The fact that he was killed by Doeg underscores the dangers faced by God's servants during turbulent times, illustrating the cost of faithfulness in a fallen world.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- אֲחִימֶלֶךְ
- Transliteration
- achiymelekh
- Meaning
- [my] brother is king
- Greek
- Αβιμελεχ
- Reference
- 1SA 21:1
- Strong's
- H288
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ahimelech in the Bible?
Ahimelech was a male priest from the tribe of Levi, known specifically as the priest of Nob. His role as a priest placed him in a significant religious position during the time recorded in 1 Samuel. The biblical account does not provide additional personal notes about him beyond his priestly office.
What does the name Ahimelech mean?
The name Ahimelech means “my brother is a king; my king's brother” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.