אָֽסְנַת (a.se.nat)

a.se.nat

Asenath

H0621 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

N:N-F-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-F-P

Word Overview

Asenath is a proper name appearing only three times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the Genesis narrative. She is identified as the daughter of Potiphera, a priest of On, and becomes the wife of Joseph during his time in Egypt (Genesis 41:45; 47:31; Numbers 26:58). The sources note that her name likely means "belonging to the goddess Neith," reflecting the religious context of her father’s household.

Despite her Egyptian origins and likely pagan background, Asenath plays a crucial role in the lineage of Israel. She bears two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, who are adopted by Jacob and become heads of their own tribes (Genesis 48:5). This integration highlights how Joseph’s family was embedded within Egyptian society while maintaining their distinct identity.

The name itself points to the cultural and religious environment of ancient Egypt. Neith was a significant deity in that region, and Asenath’s name serves as a reminder of the foreign context in which God’s promises were being fulfilled. Her story illustrates the complex interplay between Israelite heritage and Egyptian life during the patriarchal period.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Asenath’s name likely means “belonging to the goddess Neith,” a clear marker of her Egyptian heritage and religious background. Yet in the biblical narrative, she becomes the wife of Joseph and the mother of Manasseh and Ephraim, two tribes that would shape Israel’s future. Her story shows how God works through people from diverse cultural and spiritual starting points.

Even though Asenath is mentioned only a few times, her role is vital. She bridges two worlds, connecting Joseph’s Egyptian life with the covenant promises given to Abraham. This reminds us that God’s plan often includes unexpected connections and that our backgrounds do not limit His use of us. Her integration into Jacob’s family highlights the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s redemptive history.

For believers today, Asenath’s life offers hope that no one is too far from God’s purposes. Just as she moved from a pagan household to becoming part of the lineage of Christ, we can trust that God can transform any situation for His glory. Her story encourages us to look beyond surface differences and see the deeper work of God in our own lives and communities.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Asenath3×

Forms in the text

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

אָֽסְנַ֔ת2×
אָֽסְנַ֗ת1×

Key Verses

Genesis 41:45
Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-Paneah. He gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On as a wife. Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.

This verse marks Asenath’s entry into Joseph’s life as Pharaoh gives her to him, signifying his elevation and the beginning of her role in the Egyptian court.
Genesis 41:50
To Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore to him.

Here Asenath is identified as the mother of Joseph’s first two sons, establishing her as the matriarch of the tribes that would later inherit land in Egypt and beyond.
Genesis 46:20
To Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him.

This occurrence lists Asenath again when Jacob’s family moves to Egypt, confirming her place within the larger narrative of Israel’s descent into the land of Goshen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Asenath mean?

The name Asenath likely means “belonging to the goddess Neith.” Neith was an Egyptian deity associated with weaving and war, reflecting the religious context of her father’s household in On.

Who was Asenath's father?

Asenath was the daughter of Potiphera, who is identified as a priest of On. This connection places her within the Egyptian priestly class and explains her cultural background.

Why is Asenath important in the Bible?

She is crucial because she becomes the mother of Manasseh and Ephraim, two sons who are adopted by Jacob and become heads of their own tribes. Her lineage ensures that Joseph’s descendants are integrated into the covenant people.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Genesis 3 verses

Genesis 41:45

Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-Paneah. He gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On as a wife.…

Genesis 41:50

To Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, bore…

Genesis 46:20

To Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On,…