Meaning and Etymology:
The name Ab'ihail (Hebrew: אֲבִיחַיִל, ʾĂḇîḥayil) means "father of might" or "my father is might." It is a compound of two Hebrew words: "ab" (אָב), meaning "father," and "chayil" (חַיִל), meaning "might" or "strength."

Biblical References:

1. Ab'ihail, Father of Zuriel:
Ab'ihail is mentioned as the father of Zuriel, who was the leader of the Merarite clan during the wilderness period. This reference is found in the context of the organization of the Levites. Numbers 3:35 states, "The leader of the families of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail. They were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle."

2. Ab'ihail, Wife of Abishur:
Another Ab'ihail is noted as the wife of Abishur and the mother of Ahban and Molid. This reference is part of the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. 1 Chronicles 2:29 records, "Abishur’s wife was named Abihail, and she bore him Ahban and Molid."

3. Ab'ihail, Father of Queen Esther:
Ab'ihail is also the name of the father of Queen Esther, who was originally named Hadassah. Esther was taken in by her cousin Mordecai after the death of her parents. Esther 2:15 mentions, "Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her in as his own daughter when her parents died."

4. Ab'ihail, Wife of Rehoboam:
Ab'ihail is identified as the wife of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and king of Judah. She was the daughter of Eliab, David's brother, making her a member of the royal family. 2 Chronicles 11:18 states, "Rehoboam married Mahalath, who was the daughter of David’s son Jerimoth and of Abihail, the daughter of Jesse’s son Eliab."

Significance in Biblical Narrative:
The individuals named Ab'ihail appear in various contexts, primarily within genealogical and historical records. Each mention of Ab'ihail contributes to the understanding of familial and tribal relationships in ancient Israel. The name is associated with both the Levitical service and the royal lineage, highlighting its significance in the religious and political spheres of Israelite society. The most notable Ab'ihail is the father of Esther, whose account is central to the Jewish festival of Purim and illustrates themes of providence and deliverance.Ab'ihail (6 Occurrences)

Numbers 3:35
The prince of the fathers' house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. They shall encamp on the north side of the tabernacle.
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1 Chronicles 2:29
The name of the wife of Abishur was Abihail; and she bore him Ahban, and Molid.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 5:14
These were the sons of Abihail, the son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz;
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 11:18
Rehoboam took him a wife, Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David, and of Abihail the daughter of Eliab the son of Jesse;
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Esther 2:15
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the keeper of the women, advised. Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who looked at her.
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Esther 9:29
Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority to confirm this second letter of Purim.
(See RSV)

Ab'ihail (6 Occurrences)
Ab'ihail. Abihail, Ab'ihail. Abi-hebron . Multi-Version Concordance
Ab'ihail (6 Occurrences). Numbers 3:35 The prince of the fathers ...
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Abihail (6 Occurrences)

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Abi-hebron (1 Occurrence)
Abi-hebron. Ab'ihail, Abi-hebron. Abihu . Multi-Version Concordance Abi-hebron
(1 Occurrence). ... (YLT). Ab'ihail, Abi-hebron. Abihu . Reference Bible.
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