אֲשׁוּרִי (a.shu.ri)
a.shu.ri
Asshurim; Ashurite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The term אֲשׁוּרִי (a.shu.ri) functions as a gentilic adjective, identifying people descended from a figure named Ashur or associated with the tribe of Asher. Its meaning shifts depending on context, primarily distinguishing between two distinct groups in the biblical narrative. In Genesis 25:3, it refers to an Arab tribe traced back to Abraham’s wife Keturah, appearing alongside other descendants like Dedan and Letushim.
Alternatively, the word appears in 2 Samuel 2:9 as a geographical marker for inhabitants of the region associated with the tribe of Asher. While some sources suggest a connection to "pine" or "cypress wood," the primary usage remains ethnographic. The name itself is often linked to the root meaning "blessed" or "guided," reflecting the positive connotation of its patriarchal namesake.
Though rare, occurring in only two verses, the word highlights the complex web of tribal identities in ancient Israel. It serves as a reminder that biblical geography and lineage are often intertwined, with place names preserving the memory of ancestral connections across generations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Asshurim appears in Scripture to mark specific family lines and regions within ancient Israel. In Genesis, it identifies a branch of Abraham’s descendants through Keturah, showing how God’s promises extended beyond the immediate line of Isaac. This reminds us that biblical history is rich with diverse families, each playing a part in the larger story of faith.
In Samuel, the term points to people living in the territory of Asher, one of the northern tribes. These verses help us understand how tribal identities were tied to land and lineage. For readers today, this highlights the importance of community and heritage in shaping our spiritual journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Ashurite[s]1×
- Asshurites1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָ/אֲשׁוּרִ֖י1×
- אַשּׁוּרִ֥ם1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 25:3
Jokshan became the father of Sheba, and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim.
This verse identifies Asshurim as a son of Dedan, tracing a specific lineage from Abraham through Keturah.
-
II Samuel 2:9
He made him king over Gilead, over the Ashurites, over Jezreel, over Ephraim, over Benjamin, and over all Israel.
Here the term refers to inhabitants of the Asher region, showing its use as a geographical and tribal marker during David’s reign.