☀️
← Back to Lexicon
H264 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אַחֲוָה
ʾachavah
Noun, feminine
brotherhood

Definition

Achavah (H264) occurs only in Zechariah 11:14, where the breaking of the staff called Achavah symbolizes the severing of brotherhood between Judah and Israel. It derives from ach (brother, H251) and represents the covenantal bond between brothers.

Usage & Theological Significance

Though rare, achavah carries immense theological weight. The broken staff of Brotherhood in Zechariah 11 symbolizes the fracture of national unity — a wound inflicted by Israel's rejection of the shepherd-king. The New Testament sees this as prefiguring Christ's rejection, after which the covenant people were divided. Ultimately, the gospel restores true achavah across ethnic lines.

Key Bible Verses

Zechariah 11:14 Then I broke my second staff Union, annulling the brotherhood [achavah] between Judah and Israel.
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers [achim] dwell in unity!
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother [ach] is born for a time of adversity.
Genesis 13:8 Then Abram said to Lot, 'Let there be no strife between you and me, for we are kinsmen [achim, brothers].'
Amos 1:9 So says the LORD: For three transgressions of Tyre, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they delivered up a whole people to Edom, and did not remember the covenant of brotherhood [achavah].

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️