Ἀσά (Asa)
Asa
Asaph
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Asa appears in the New Testament genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:7-8 as the grandfather of King Jehoshaphat. In the Greek text, it is rendered as Asa, a form derived from the Hebrew name meaning "physician" or "cure." This brief mention connects the lineage of Judah’s kings to the broader narrative of Israel’s history leading up to Christ.
Asa reigned over Judah for forty-one years and is remembered in the Old Testament for his religious reforms. He removed idolatrous high places and restored proper worship, though his reign also included military conflicts with Israel. The name’s meaning as "healer" may reflect hopes for spiritual restoration during a turbulent period in Judah’s monarchy.
While the New Testament only cites Asa twice, his inclusion in Matthew’s genealogy underscores the continuity of God’s covenant promises through generations of kings. This connection highlights how even flawed rulers played a role in the unfolding story of redemption that culminates in Jesus.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Asa appears in the New Testament genealogy of Jesus, marking a link between King Solomon and later rulers of Judah. His name carries the meaning of healer or cure, reflecting a hope for spiritual restoration during a time when the nation faced division and conflict. As a king who sought to remove idolatry and restore proper worship, he represents the ongoing effort to return to God’s ways.
Even though his reign included military struggles and personal flaws, Asa’s place in Matthew’s record shows that God uses imperfect people to fulfill His promises. This lineage reminds us that redemption is a long story, woven through generations of faithful and flawed ancestors alike. We find comfort in knowing that Christ comes from this very line, bridging history with grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Asaph;1×
- Asaph1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἀσάφ·1×
- Ἀσὰφ1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 1:7
Solomon became the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam became the father of Abijah. Abijah became the father of Asa.
This verse places Asa as the son of Abijah and father of Jehoshaphat, anchoring him in the royal line leading to Christ.
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Matthew 1:8
Asa became the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat became the father of Joram. Joram became the father of Uzziah.
Here Asa is named as the predecessor of Jehoshaphat, continuing the chain of kings who maintained the covenant despite political turmoil.