Ahiram אֲחִירָם
Son of Benjamin, founder of the Ahiramite clan
Who is Ahiram in the Bible?
Ahiram was a son of Benjamin and the founder of the Ahiramite clan within the tribe of Benjamin. He is listed in the genealogies of the Israelites following their exodus from Egypt, and his descendants are specifically named in the census recorded in Numbers 26:38. Ahiram is also known by alternative names, Aharah (1 Chronicles 8:1) and Ehi (Genesis 46:21), which likely reflect different textual traditions referring to the same individual. Beyond his role as a tribal ancestor, no further details about Ahiram's life or activities are provided in the biblical text, making him significant primarily as a link in the genealogical record of the tribe of Benjamin.
Biography
Ahiram, also referred to as Aharah or Ehi, was one of the sons of Benjamin, the youngest son of Israel (or 'Jacob'). He is mentioned in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin, which trace the lineage of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt.
In the census taken in the wilderness, the descendants of Ahiram are listed as the Ahiramite clan, indicating that he was the founder of this Benjamite family. (Num.26.38)
The variations in his name (Aharah in 1Ch.8.1 and Ehi in Gen.46.21) may be due to different traditions or textual transmissions. However, all three names refer to the same individual, a son of Benjamin.
Apart from being mentioned in the genealogies, no further details about Ahiram's life or specific role within the tribe of Benjamin are provided in the biblical text. His significance lies in his place in the family line of Benjamin and his role as the progenitor of the Ahiramite clan.
Family
Parents
Siblings
- Bela Tribe of ReubenSon of AzazA Reubenite, son of Azaz.View full profile →
- Becher Tribe of BenjaminSon of BenjaminSon of Benjamin, listed among those who entered Egypt.View full profile →
- Ashbel Tribe of BenjaminSon of BenjaminSon of Benjamin, founder of the Ashbelite clanView full profile →
- Gera Tribe of BenjaminSon of BelaSon of Bela, grandson of Benjamin.View full profile →
- Naaman Tribe of BenjaminSon of EhudA descendant of Benjamin, son of Ehud.View full profile →
- Rosh Tribe of BenjaminSon of BenjaminSon of Benjamin, grandson of JacobView full profile →
- Muppim Tribe of BenjaminSon of BenjaminA son of Benjamin.View full profile →
- Huppim Tribe of Benjamin(?)Son of IrA descendant of Manasseh.View full profile →
- Ard Tribe of BenjaminSon of BenjaminSon of Benjamin, brother of BelaView full profile →
- Jediael Tribe of BenjaminBenjamin leaderSon of Benjamin, head of a clanView full profile →
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 1 with study contentNumbers 1 verse
- Numbers 26:38
"These were the descendants of Benjamin by their clans: The Belaite clan from Bela, the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel, the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram,"
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 8:1
"Benjamin was the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third,"
Genesis 1 verse
- Genesis 46:21
"The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard."
Study Genesis →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲחִירָם |
| Group | Hebrew | אֲחִירָמִי |
| Named | Hebrew | אַחְרַח |
| Named | Hebrew | אֵחִי |
Ahiram
1Ch 8:1 five sons are likewise mentioned, being explicitly numbered; the third name, Aharah ('achrach), is conjectured to be either a corruption of Ahiram or a different name for the same person. In 1Ch 7:6 ff is a fuller list of Benjamite names, but it is fragmentary and not clear. In it occurs Aher ('acher), which may be either Ahiram or Aharah with the end of the word lost. In Ge 46:21 ten sons of Benjamin are mentioned, some being there counted as sons who, in the other lists, are spoken of as more remote descendants. In this list Ehi ('echi) is perhaps Ahiram shortened. See AHARAH; AHER; EHI.
Willis J. Beecher
a-hi'-ram-it ('achirami, "of the family of Ahiram"; Nu 26:38). See AHIRAM.
a-his'-a-mak ('achicamakh