Bible Dictionary
Ahiman
Ahiman was one of the Anakim at Hebron whom Judah defeated and dispossessed. The name was also borne by a Levite gatekeeper after the exile.
Definition
Ahiman was one of the three Anakim associated with Hebron. He was later driven out and defeated by Judah under Caleb. The name was also borne by a Levite who served as a gatekeeper in the later biblical period.
Biblical Usage
Ahiman was among the Anakim seen by the spies and later among those whom Caleb and Judah dispossessed. The other Ahiman appears in the lists of Levite gatekeepers.
Historical Background
Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai are presented as prominent leaders among the Anakim of Hebron. The name is variously explained as “brother of fortune,” “brother of a gift,” or “brother of the right hand.”
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Brother of a gift = liberal. (1.) One of the three giant Anakim brothers whom Caleb and the spies saw in Mount Hebron (Num. 13:22) when they went in to explore the land. They were afterwards driven out and slain (Josh. 15:14; Judg. 1:10). (2.) One of the guardians of the temple after the Exile (1 Chr. 9:17).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(brother of the right hand).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a-hi'-man ('achiman, perhaps, "brother of fortune," or, "my brother is fortune"):</p><p>(1) One of the names given as those of the three "children of the Anak" (Nu 13:22; Jos 15:14; Nu 13:28; 2Sa 21:16,18), or the three "sons of the Anak" (Jos 15:14; Jud 1:20). The three names (Ahiman, Sheshai, Talmai) also occur together in Jud 1:10. The word Anak in the Hebrew Bible has the definite article except in Nu 13:33 and De 9:2. Its use is that of a common noun denoting a certain type of man, rather than as the proper name of a person or a clan, though this need not prevent our thinking of the Anakim as a clan or group of clans, who regarded Arba as their founder. The question is raised whether Ahiman and Sheshai and Talmai are to be thought of as persons or as clans. The most natural understanding of the Bible statements is certainly to the effect that they were personal leaders among the Anakim of Kiriath-arba (Hebron). They were smitten and dispossessed by the tribe of Judah, with Caleb for leader.</p><p>(2) A Levite, one of the gatekeepers of the latest Bible times (1Ch 9:17). He is associated with Akkub and Talmon and their brethren: compare Ne 11:19.</p><p>Willis J. Beecher</p>