אַשְׁבֵּעַ (ash.be.a)
ash.be.a
(Beth)-ashbea
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Ashbea, appearing in I Chronicles 2:37, literally means "I shall make to swear." It is formed from a root related to binding oaths or pledges, suggesting a family identity anchored in covenantal faithfulness. As the patriarch of a Judahite clan, this name marks a specific lineage within the broader genealogies of Israel.
Its occurrence is extremely rare, found only once in the Hebrew Bible. The name often appears combined with "Beth" (house), forming Beth-ashbea, which identifies the descendants or household of this figure. This compound form highlights how ancient Israelite families were defined by their ancestral heads and their commitment to established social and religious bonds.
While the verb underlying the name implies an active act of causing someone to swear, the proper noun itself functions primarily as a marker of identity rather than a theological statement. It reflects a cultural context where oaths were central to legal and familial relationships. The brevity of its scriptural record underscores its role as a historical anchor in the tribal structure of Judah.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ashbea appears in the genealogies of Judah, carrying a meaning that points to binding commitments. In ancient Israel, oaths were not just words but serious acts that defined relationships and legal standing. To be part of a house named after one who 'makes to swear' suggests a lineage marked by trustworthiness and covenantal faithfulness.
For you today, this reminds us that our identity in Christ is built on God’s faithful promises. Just as Ashbea’s name anchored his family’s history, your life is anchored in the unbreakable bond of grace. You are part of a great cloud of witnesses, connected to a story far larger than yourself.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ashbea1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַשְׁבֵּֽעַ\׃1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 4:21
The sons of Shelah the son of Judah: Er the father of Lecah, Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of those who worked fine linen, of the house of Ashbea;
This verse lists Ashbea among the families of Judah, showing how his name served as a historical marker for a specific clan within the tribe.