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H274 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֲחַזְיָה
Achaziah
Proper noun, masculine
Ahaziah (Yahweh has grasped)

Definition

The Hebrew proper name Achaziah (אֲחַזְיָה) means "Yahweh has grasped" or "Yahweh holds", combining achaz (to grasp, hold) and Yah (Yahweh). It was borne by two kings: Ahaziah of Israel (son of Ahab) and Ahaziah of Judah (son of Jehoram).

Usage & Theological Significance

Both kings named Ahaziah met tragic ends directly connected to unfaithfulness. Ahaziah of Israel, injured in a fall, sent messengers to inquire of Baal-Zebub of Ekron rather than the LORD — bringing Elijah's fiery condemnation and early death (2 Kings 1). Ahaziah of Judah was killed by Jehu during Jehu's purge of Ahab's dynasty (2 Kings 9:27). Their stories illustrate a painful irony: their names declared "Yahweh has grasped," yet they refused to be held by Yahweh. The name points to a grace their lives rejected. God reaches out to hold His people; whether they allow themselves to be held is the question of every generation.

Key Bible Verses

2 Kings 1:2 Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers, saying, 'Go and consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron.'
2 Kings 1:4 Therefore this is what the LORD says: 'You will not leave the bed you are lying on. You will certainly die!'
2 Kings 8:27 He followed the ways of the house of Ahab and did evil in the eyes of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done, for he was related by marriage to Ahab's family.
2 Kings 9:27 When Ahaziah king of Judah saw what had happened, he fled up the road to Beth Haggan. Jehu chased him.
2 Chronicles 22:7 Through Ahaziah's visit to Joram, God brought about Ahaziah's downfall.

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