Ahiman אֲחִימַן
One of the giant descendants of Anak in Hebron
Who is Ahiman in the Bible?
Ahiman was one of the three giant descendants of Anak who inhabited Hebron in Canaan during the time of the Israelite conquest. He is mentioned in Numbers 13:22 as part of the fearsome giants that the Israelite spies encountered when scouting the Promised Land, a report that discouraged the people from entering. Later, during the conquest of Canaan, Caleb drove Ahiman and his brothers out of Hebron as part of his inheritance (Joshua 15:14), and Judah and Simeon completed their defeat (Judges 1:10). Ahiman's presence in these narratives represents the obstacles the Israelites faced in claiming the land God had promised them, and his defeat exemplified God's faithfulness in fulfilling that promise despite the people's initial fear.
Biography
Ahiman was one of the three sons of Anak, a group of giants who inhabited the city of Hebron in the land of Canaan. When Moses sent twelve spies to scout out the land, they reported seeing the descendants of Anak, including Ahiman, who appeared as giants in their eyes. This report discouraged the Israelites from entering the land. (Num.13.22,28,33)
During the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership, Caleb, one of the faithful spies, was given Hebron as his inheritance. He drove out the three sons of Anak, including Ahiman, from the city. (Jos.15.13,14).
The book of Judges reiterates that Judah and Simeon fought against the Canaanites in Hebron and defeated Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak. (Jdg.1.10)
Ahiman and his brothers were known for their great stature and strength, which initially intimidated the Israelites. However, with God's help, they were eventually defeated, allowing the Israelites to claim the land promised to them.
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In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 1 with study contentNumbers 1 verse
- Numbers 13:22
"They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, dwelled. It had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt."
Joshua 1 verse
- Joshua 15:14
"And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak—the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak."
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Judges 1 verse
- Judges 1:10
"Judah also marched against the Canaanites who were living in Hebron (formerly known as Kiriath-arba), and they struck down Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲחִימַן |