Achiacharus is a figure mentioned in the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit, which is part of the Apocrypha in the Protestant tradition and included in the Septuagint and the Catholic and Orthodox biblical canons. The Book of Tobit is a narrative that combines elements of wisdom literature and folklore, set during the time of the Assyrian exile.

Name and Meaning

The name Achiacharus is of Hebrew origin, and it is often understood to mean "my brother is precious" or "brother of the noble." This name reflects the familial and honorable characteristics attributed to him in the narrative.

Biblical Context

Achiacharus is introduced in the Book of Tobit as a relative of Tobit, the main character. Specifically, he is described as the nephew of Tobit, being the son of Tobit's brother Anael. Achiacharus holds a significant position in the court of the Assyrian king, serving as a high-ranking official. His role in the narrative highlights themes of family loyalty, wisdom, and divine providence.

Role in the Book of Tobit

Achiacharus is depicted as a man of influence and integrity. In Tobit 1:21-22 , it is noted that he was appointed as the cupbearer, keeper of the signet, and in charge of administration under King Sennacherib of Assyria. His position indicates a high level of trust and responsibility, as these roles were crucial in the royal court.

When Tobit falls into misfortune, becoming blind and impoverished, Achiacharus' status and influence become significant. Although the text does not elaborate extensively on his actions, his presence in the narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of family connections and the potential for divine intervention through human agents.

Character Traits

Achiacharus is portrayed as a wise and capable individual, embodying the virtues of loyalty and service. His ability to maintain a prominent position in a foreign court suggests a level of adaptability and skill. Furthermore, his relationship with Tobit underscores the value of kinship and support within the family structure, a recurring theme in biblical literature.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, Achiacharus' role in the Book of Tobit can be seen as part of the broader narrative of God's providence and care for His people, even in exile. His position in the Assyrian court and his connection to Tobit illustrate how God can use individuals in positions of power to provide for and protect His faithful servants. This aligns with the biblical theme of God working through human agents to accomplish His purposes, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon.

Cultural and Historical Context

The Book of Tobit, including the character of Achiacharus, reflects the historical context of the Jewish diaspora during the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles. The narrative provides insight into the challenges faced by the Jewish community living under foreign rule and the ways in which they maintained their faith and identity. Achiacharus' role as a court official highlights the potential for Jews to achieve positions of influence and the importance of remaining faithful to their heritage and God.

In summary, Achiacharus is a noteworthy figure in the Book of Tobit, representing themes of family loyalty, divine providence, and the integration of faith within the complexities of life in exile. His character serves as a testament to the enduring values of wisdom, integrity, and the sustaining power of familial bonds.ACHIACHARUS

a-ki-ak'-a-rus (Codex Vaticanus Achiacharos; Acheicharos): Governor of Assyria. Achiacharus is the son of Anael, a brother of Tobit (Tobit 1:21). Sarchedonus (Esarhaddon), the king of Assyria, appointed him over all "accounts of his kingdom" and over all "his affairs" (Tobit 1:21; compare Daniel 2:48). At his request Tobit comes to Nineveh (Tobit 1:22). Achiacharus nourishes Tobit, while the latter is afflicted with disease (Tobit 2:10). He attends the wedding-feast of Tobias (Tobit 11:18). Is persecuted by Aman, but saved (Tobit 14:10).

Here Followeth the History of Tobit
... him. Then came Achiacharus and Nasbas, cousins of Tobias, joying and thanking
God of all the goods that God had showed to him. And ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the history of 2.htm

A Letter from Origen to Africanus.
... Dachiacharus, the son of Ananiel, the brother of Tobias, was set over all the exchequer
of the kingdom of king Acherdon; and we read, "Now Achiacharus was cup ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens letters/a letter from origen to.htm

Achiacharus
...ACHIACHARUS. a-ki-ak'-a-rus (Codex Vaticanus Achiacharos; Acheicharos): Governor
of Assyria. Achiacharus is the son of Anael, a brother of Tobit (Tobit 1:21). ...
/a/achiacharus.htm - 6k

Manasses (1 Occurrence)
... that Manasses here is an awkward reading and apparently interrupts the sense, which
would run more smoothly if Manasses were omitted or Achiacharus read. ...
/m/manasses.htm - 19k

Nasbas
... It occurs only in Tobit 11:18, "And Achiacharus, and Nasbas his brother's
son," came to Tobit's wedding. Opinions are divided as ...
/n/nasbas.htm - 7k

Tobit
... There can be no doubt that the "Achiacharus" of Tobit (Achiacharos, 1:21; 2:10;
11:18; 14:10), a nephew of Tobit, is the Achiqar of the above story. ...
/t/tobit.htm - 34k

Anaharath (1 Occurrence)
... There can be no doubt that the "Achiacharus" of Tobit (Achiacharos, 1:21; 2:10;
11:18; 14:10), a nephew of Tobit, is the Achiqar of the above story. ...
/a/anaharath.htm - 87k

Anael
... ANAEL. an'-a-el (Anael): A brother of Tobit mentioned once only (APC Tobit 1:21)
as the father of Achiacharus, who was an official in Nineveh under Esar-haddon. ...
/a/anael.htm - 6k

Acheth (1 Occurrence)

/a/acheth.htm - 6k

Achias

/a/achias.htm - 6k

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