The name Ahiman (‘achiman), meaning “brother of the right hand” or “brother of fortune,” is given to two distinct figures in the King James Version of the Bible, each representing a different era and role in the history of Israel. The first is a formidable warrior and a chief obstacle to Israel’s inheritance; the second, a devoted servant within the restored community.
1. The Giant of Hebron
The most famous figure bearing this name is Ahiman, one of the three sons of Anak (or “children of Anak”), a race of people noted for their immense stature, whom the Israelites called giants.
Ahiman, along with his brothers Sheshai and Talmai, dwelt in Hebron (or Kiriath-arba), the ancient city that became a symbol of the formidable challenge facing Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.
This giant was first mentioned in the fearful report of the spies sent by Moses:
“And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were.” — Numbers 13:22 (KJV)
The presence of the Anakim greatly discouraged the ten faithless spies, whose report struck fear into the hearts of the Israelites: “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:33, KJV). This very fear caused the people to rebel and resulted in the forty-year wandering in the wilderness.
Generations later, the promise of God was fulfilled through the unwavering faith of Caleb, the son of Jephunneh. As a reward for his steadfast faith, the mountainous region of Hebron was given to him, and he took action against these formidable enemies:
“And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.” — Joshua 15:14 (KJV)
The destruction of these giants, also recorded as being slain by the tribe of Judah (Judges 1:10), stands as a powerful testament to the truth that no human obstacle—no matter how fearsome—can ultimately prevent the execution of God’s divine promise.
2. The Temple Porter
The second individual named Ahiman appears centuries later, among those who had returned from the Babylonian Exile and were responsible for the functions of the restored Temple.
This Ahiman was a Levite porter (or gatekeeper) stationed at the sacred precincts of the Temple:
“And the porters were, Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum was the chief;” — 1 Chronicles 9:17 (KJV)
This individual, a dedicated gatekeeper of the House of God, represents the faithfulness of the remnant in guarding the sanctity of the sanctuary and maintaining order in the worship of the LORD, a stark contrast to the earlier Ahiman, who represented the forces of resistance to that very worship.