Ahithophel
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ahithophel in the Bible?
Ahithophel served as a key advisor to King David before defecting to join Absalom's rebellion, where his strategic counsel initially gained significant traction among the conspirators.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Ahithophel's defection and subsequent suicide provides critical context for the narrative tension in 2 Samuel, illustrating the psychological impact of political betrayal and the fulfillment of prophetic judgment regarding David's household.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Ahithophel reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ahithophel in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ahithophel clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Ahithophel." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ahithophel/