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H299 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֲחִירַע
Achiyra
Proper Name, masculine
Ahira (My Brother Is Evil / Adversity)

Definition

The Hebrew proper name Achiyra (Ahira) combines ach (brother) and ra (evil, adversity), meaning 'brother of wrong' or 'my brother is in adversity.' Despite the harsh name, Ahira son of Enan was appointed as the commander and census leader of the tribe of Naphtali in the wilderness.

Usage & Theological Significance

God appointed Ahira to lead the tribe of Naphtali in the wilderness, responsible for the census and camp organization of his tribe. His selection despite his name's harsh meaning illustrates that God's choice of leaders is based on His sovereign purposes, not auspicious names. Naphtali's territory in the far north later became 'Galilee of the nations' (Isaiah 9:1) — the very region where Jesus began His public ministry, fulfilling prophecy in the land once occupied by Ahira's descendants. Where adversity once reigned, the light of the world arose.

Key Bible Verses

Numbers 1:15 from Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan.
Numbers 2:29 The tribe of Naphtali will be next. The leader of the people of Naphtali is Ahira son of Enan.
Numbers 7:78 On the twelfth day Ahira son of Enan, the leader of the people of Naphtali, brought his offering.
Numbers 10:27 Ahira son of Enan was over the division of the tribe of Naphtali.
Isaiah 9:1 In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations.

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