Ahinoam(2)
Ahinoam in the Bible — of Jezreel. Same as Ahinoam_1? (see 2SA 12:8). Referenced in 3 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “beauty of the brother; brother of motion”
Profile
- Gender
- female
- Scripture References
- 3 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 2 connections
Biography
A woman from Jezreel who became one of David's wives while he was fleeing from Saul. She bore David his firstborn son Amnon. Ahinoam accompanied David during his time with the Philistines and was among those captured by the Amalekites at Ziklag and subsequently rescued.
Significance
As mother of Amnon, David's firstborn and heir apparent, Ahinoam's son became central to the tragic family conflicts that plagued David's house.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- אֲחִינֹעַם
- Transliteration
- achiynoam
- Meaning
- [my] brother is pleasant
- Greek
- Αχινααμ
- Reference
- 1SA 25:43
- Strong's
- H293
Notes
Only one other character named Ahinoam appears in the Hebrew Bible (Saul’s wife; see 1SA 14:50). Because she is roughly a contemporary of David’s wife, it is possible that “Ahinoam of Jezreel” is Saul’s wife Ahinoam. Citing YHWH’s words (via the prophet Nathan) to David, “I gave you … your master’s wives” (2 Sam 12:8), Levenson and Halpern argue that David’s marriage to Ahinoam constituted a claim to Saul’s throne (see Absalom’s actions in 2 Sam 16:22). Perhaps David, like other kings who appropriated the harems of their predecessors or rivals, strengthened his claim to the throne in this way. - Linda Schearing (taken 4/10/2020 from https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/ahinoam-bible)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ahinoam in the Bible?
Ahinoam is described in the Bible as of Jezreel. Same as Ahinoam_1? (see 2SA 12:8).
What does the name Ahinoam mean?
The name Ahinoam means “beauty of the brother; brother of motion” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.