אָח
Ach
Brother
Ach (אָח) is a Hebrew word meaning “brother,” pronounced “AHKH.” Derived from the root א-ח, ach appears 630 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H251).
| Hebrew | אָח |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Ach |
| Pronunciation | AHKH |
| Meaning | Brother |
| Root Letters | א-ח |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 630× |
| Key Verse | Proverbs 18:24 |
| Strong's Number | H251 |
| Category | Family & Relationships |
The very first sibling story in the Bible is also the first murder: Cain killing his ach (אָח), Abel, in Genesis 4. God's haunting question — 'Where is your ach?' — has echoed through every generation since. Brotherhood in the Hebrew Bible is never simple or sentimental; it is a relationship of fierce loyalty tested by jealousy, rivalry, and betrayal. Jacob and Esau wrestled from the womb. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery. Moses and Aaron served together but clashed at times. Yet it is precisely against this backdrop of messy reality that Psalm 133:1 rings out with such power: 'Hineh mah tov umah na'im shevet achim gam yachad' — 'How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!' This psalm, traditionally sung at Jewish gatherings, acknowledges that brotherhood is not automatic but achieved. The word ach extends beyond biology to describe covenant partnership, fellow Israelites, and spiritual kinship. When Jesus called His disciples 'brothers' (Matthew 28:10), He elevated the concept to its highest expression — brotherhood forged not by blood but by shared allegiance to the Father.
Key Bible Verse: Proverbs 18:24
“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (ach).”
What Is the Root of Ach in Hebrew?
Ach may derive from a root meaning 'to join' or 'to unite.' Its simplicity — just two letters — reflects the primal nature of the sibling bond. The plural 'achim' (brothers) is used for biological siblings, fellow citizens, and covenant partners alike.
What Does Ach Mean in the Bible?
Ach appears over 630 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes biological brothers (Cain and Abel), fellow Israelites (Deuteronomy 15:7), allies and covenant partners (1 Kings 9:13), and spiritual kinship. The commandment to love your 'neighbor' uses a related concept of brother-love.
How Is Ach Used in Modern Hebrew?
The Hebrew greeting 'Achi' (my brother) is commonly used in modern Israel as a casual, warm address between friends — similar to 'bro' in English. The concept of 'achvah' (brotherhood) is foundational to Israeli military culture and kibbutz life.
How to Use Ach in Prayer & Worship
Pray for your spiritual brothers and sisters. Ask God to help you be a keeper of your brothers — not Cain who deflected responsibility, but Joseph who ultimately forgave and provided for the very brothers who betrayed him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ach
How do you say “Brother” in Hebrew?
“Brother” in Hebrew is Ach (אָח), pronounced “AHKH.” Ach may derive from a root meaning 'to join' or 'to unite.' Its simplicity — just two letters — reflects the primal nature of the sibling bond. The plural 'achim' (brothers) is used for biological siblings, fellow citizens, and covenant partners alike.
What does Ach mean in the Bible?
Ach (אָח) means “Brother” in Biblical Hebrew. Ach appears over 630 times in the Hebrew Bible. It describes biological brothers (Cain and Abel), fellow Israelites (Deuteronomy 15:7), allies and covenant partners (1 Kings 9:13), and spiritual kinship. The commandment to love your 'neighbor' uses a related concept of brother-love.
How do you pronounce Ach?
Ach is pronounced “AHKH.” The word comes from the Hebrew root א-ח.
What does 'Am I my brother's keeper?' mean?
After Cain killed Abel, God asked, 'Where is your brother?' Cain replied, 'Am I my brother's keeper?' (Genesis 4:9). This deflection reveals the opposite of what God intended — yes, you are your brother's keeper. The Hebrew Bible consistently teaches that we are responsible for one another. This phrase has become a universal symbol of moral responsibility.
What is Psalm 133 about brothers in unity?
Psalm 133 begins 'How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity (yachad).' It compares this unity to precious oil flowing down Aaron's beard (anointing) and dew falling on Mount Hermon (blessing). The psalm teaches that genuine brotherhood is both rare and sacred — when it exists, it attracts God's blessing like a magnet.
Does 'brother' always mean a biological sibling in the Bible?
No. Ach is used broadly in Hebrew: Abraham called Lot his 'ach' (nephew), kings addressed allied kings as 'ach,' and all Israelites are called 'brothers.' In the New Testament, Jesus expanded 'ach' to include all who do the Father's will (Matthew 12:50). Biblical brotherhood is defined by covenant and commitment, not just DNA.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H251: Ach
- Bible Gateway — Proverbs 18:24 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for א-ח
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