אֲחִיתֹ֫פֶל
a.chi.to.phel
Ahithophel
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredBased on the provided data, the Hebrew word "אֲחִיתֹ֫פֶל" (ahithophel) is a proper name, signifying a specific individual. It is recorded 20 times in the Bible, indicating its importance and significant role. As a proper name, its meaning is derived from its context and usage, rather than being a descriptor of a general concept. Within the context of the Bible, Ahithophel's name is consistently associated with an advisor or counselor who played a notable role. His title suggests a position of influence, wisdom, and strategic thinking. Given the recurrence of his name (20 times), it's likely that Ahithophel held a vital position, advising leaders or kings, or perhaps being a leader himself. The repeated mention of his name underscores his importance in certain biblical narratives.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
20 total occurrences across the text
Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. The conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
2 Samuel 15:31Someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” David said, “Yahweh, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”
2 Samuel 15:31Someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” David said, “Yahweh, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”
2 Samuel 15:34but if you return to the city, and tell Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king. As I have been your father’s servant in time past, so I will now be your servant; then will you defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel.’
2 Samuel 16:15Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.
2 Samuel 16:20Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give your counsel what we shall do.”
2 Samuel 16:21Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines that he has left to keep the house. Then all Israel will hear that you are abhorred by your father. Then the hands of all who are with you will be strong.”
2 Samuel 16:23The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the inner sanctuary of God. All the counsel of Ahithophel both was like this with David and with Absalom.
2 Samuel 16:23The counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the inner sanctuary of God. All the counsel of Ahithophel both was like this with David and with Absalom.
2 Samuel 17:1Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me now choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David tonight.
2 Samuel 17:6When Hushai had come to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, “Ahithophel has spoken like this. Shall we do what he says? If not, speak up.”
2 Samuel 17:7Hushai said to Absalom, “The counsel that Ahithophel has given this time is not good.”
2 Samuel 17:14Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For Yahweh had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that Yahweh might bring evil on Absalom.
2 Samuel 17:14Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For Yahweh had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that Yahweh might bring evil on Absalom.
2 Samuel 17:15Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, “Ahithophel counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel that way; and I have counseled this way.
2 Samuel 17:21After they had departed, they came up out of the well, and went and told king David; and they said to David, “Arise and pass quickly over the water; for thus has Ahithophel counseled against you.”
2 Samuel 17:23When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey, arose, and went home, to his city, and set his house in order, and hanged himself; and he died, and was buried in the tomb of his father.
2 Samuel 23:34Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,
1 Chronicles 27:33Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend.
1 Chronicles 27:34After Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar. Joab was the captain of the king’s army.