אָסָא (a.sa)

a.sa

Asa

H0609 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 44 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 44 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Asa, or ’âsâ, appears forty-four times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the historical accounts of the divided monarchy in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. It identifies a specific king of Judah, the son of Abijah and father of Jehoshaphat, who reigned for forty-one years. The name is also used for a Levite mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:16.

Lexicographers note that the etymology of Asa is uncertain, though it is often interpreted as meaning "healer" or "physician," with some sources suggesting a secondary sense of "injurious." This potential duality—bringing healing or harm—adds a layer of complexity to the figure who bears it. In the biblical narrative, Asa is portrayed as a king who initially sought God and achieved military victories, yet whose reign ended with a reliance on political alliances rather than divine trust.

Translators consistently render this proper noun as "Asa," preserving its distinct identity across English versions. The name serves as a marker for one of the most detailed royal biographies in the Old Testament, where the text examines both his reforms and his final failures. Its frequent occurrence highlights the importance placed on Judah’s lineage during this turbulent period.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Asa appears forty-four times in Scripture, marking a king whose life offers a clear picture of human faithfulness mixed with human frailty. His story reminds us that spiritual leadership is not about perfection but about direction. When Asa chose to remove idols and seek God, he experienced peace and victory. This shows that our choices matter deeply in shaping our walk with the Lord.

Yet his later years reveal a different path. Facing a great threat, Asa relied on political alliances instead of prayer. The text notes he was diseased in his feet, a detail that underscores the consequences of turning away from divine trust. His life invites us to examine where we place our confidence. Do we seek God first in times of crisis, or do we rely on our own resources?

Ultimately, Asa’s legacy is one of honest reflection. He did not hide his failures, and neither should we. The Bible presents him as a real person who started well but stumbled later. This honesty encourages us to remain dependent on God throughout every season of life, trusting that His grace covers our shortcomings when we return to Him with sincere hearts.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 44 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Asa38×
of/ Asa8×
to/ Asa2×
and/ Asa1×
O Asa1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

לְ/אָסָ֖א8×
אָסָ֗א6×
אָסָ֥א5×
אָסָ֖א5×
אָסָ֔א5×
אָסָא֙4×
אָסָ֜א4×
אָסָ֛א3×
לְ/אָסָא֙2×
אָ֠סָא2×
וְ/אָסָ֣א1×
אָסָא֒1×

Key Verses

I Kings 15:11
Asa did that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes, as David his father did.

This verse establishes Asa’s initial commitment by comparing his righteousness directly to King David, setting the standard for his reign.
I Kings 15:14
But the high places were not taken away. Nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect with Yahweh all his days.

The text highlights that despite incomplete reforms, Asa’s heart remained fully devoted to Yahweh throughout his life.
I Kings 15:18
Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that was left in the treasures of Yahweh’s house, and the treasures of the king’s house, and delivered it into the hand of his servants. Then King Asa sent them to Ben Hadad, the son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, who lived at Damascus, saying,

Here Asa uses temple treasures to buy an alliance with Syria, revealing a shift from reliance on God to reliance on political power.
I Kings 15:23
Now the rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? But in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet.

This final note mentions his foot disease, serving as a poignant reminder of the physical and spiritual decline in his later years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Asa mean?

The etymology of Asa is uncertain, but it is often interpreted as meaning 'healer' or 'physician.' Some sources suggest a secondary sense of 'injurious,' which adds complexity to the biblical figure who bears this name.

Why is Asa considered a significant king?

Asa is significant because his reign is one of the most detailed royal biographies in the Old Testament. The text examines both his early reforms, where he removed idols, and his final failures, where he relied on political alliances instead of God.

How does Asa's story end?

Asa died after a forty-one year reign and was buried in David’s city. The biblical account notes that in his old age he was diseased in his feet, marking a somber end to a life that had begun with strong faith.

Every Occurrence (44 verses across 4 books)

I Kings 23 verses

I Kings 15:8

Abijam slept with his fathers, and they buried him in David’s city; and Asa his son reigned in his place.

I Kings 15:9

In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Asa began to reign over Judah.

I Kings 15:11

Asa did that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes, as David his father did.

I Kings 15:13

He also removed Maacah his mother from being queen, because she had made an abominable image for an Asherah. Asa cut…

I Kings 15:14

But the high places were not taken away. Nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect with Yahweh all his days.

I Kings 15:16

There was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days.

I Kings 15:17

Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not allow anyone to go out or come in to…

I Kings 15:18

Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that was left in the treasures of Yahweh’s house, and the treasures of the…

I Kings 15:20

Ben Hadad listened to King Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel, and struck Ijon, and…

I Kings 15:22

Then King Asa made a proclamation to all Judah. No one was exempted. They carried away the stones of Ramah, and its…

I Kings 15:23

Now the rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, aren’t they…

I Kings 15:24

Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in his father David’s city; and Jehoshaphat his son reigned…

I Kings 15:25

Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah; and he reigned over…

I Kings 15:28

Even in the third year of Asa king of Judah, Baasha killed him and reigned in his place.

I Kings 15:32

There was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel all their days.

I Kings 15:33

In the third year of Asa king of Judah, Baasha the son of Ahijah began to reign over all Israel in Tirzah for…

I Kings 16:8

In the twenty-sixth year of Asa king of Judah, Elah the son of Baasha began to reign over Israel in Tirzah for two…

I Kings 16:10

and Zimri went in and struck him and killed him in the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his…

I Kings 16:15

In the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, Zimri reigned seven days in Tirzah. Now the people were encamped…

I Kings 16:23

In the thirty-first year of Asa king of Judah, Omri began to reign over Israel for twelve years. He reigned six years…

I Kings 16:29

In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel. Ahab the son of Omri…

I Kings 22:41

Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel.

I Kings 22:43

He walked in all the way of Asa his father. He didn’t turn away from it, doing that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes.…

I Chronicles 2 verses

II Chronicles 18 verses

Jeremiah 1 verse