אַשְׁחוּר (ash.chur)
ash.chur
Ashhur
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ashhur appears in the genealogies of Judah, specifically within the records of 1 Chronicles. It identifies a man who lived during the era of Israel’s settlement in the land, serving as a link between the patriarchal generations and the later tribal structures.
Etymologically, the name means "black," likely referring to hair color or complexion. He is described as the son of Hezron and Abiah, making him a half-brother to notable figures such as Ram and Caleb. This placement highlights the complex family dynamics within the tribe of Judah.
Ashhur’s significance lies in his role as a progenitor. Scripture records that he married Helah and Naarah, fathering eight sons including Ahuzzam, Hepher, and Koz. These descendants form distinct branches within the lineage, illustrating how individual families contributed to the broader identity of the tribe.
As a proper noun, Ashhur functions primarily as a genealogical marker rather than a theological term. Its presence in Chronicles underscores the importance of preserving family histories, ensuring that every member of Judah’s extended clan remained part of the national narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Reading through the genealogies in 1 Chronicles can feel like tracing a long family tree where names blur together. Yet each name, including Ashhur, marks a real person who lived and loved within God’s unfolding story. This word simply identifies a man from the tribe of Judah, showing us that ordinary families played a part in Israel’s history.
For your faith, this reminds you that God cares about every generation. He does not skip over those whose names are barely mentioned. Your own life, and the lives of your ancestors, matter to Him. We see Ashhur as a father who built a home, ensuring his children had a place in the community.
These records invite us to trust that God remembers everyone. You are part of a larger story than you might realize. Just as these early families were woven into Judah’s identity, your steps are known and valued by the Lord who guides history forward with purpose and grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ to/ Ashhur1×
- Ashhur1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/לְ/אַשְׁחוּר֙1×
- אַשְׁח֖וּר1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 2:24
After Hezron died in Caleb Ephrathah, Abijah, Hezron’s wife, bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa.
This verse places Ashhur in the immediate post-exilic or settlement context, showing he was born to Hezron’s widow after her first husband died, highlighting his unique status as a half-brother to Caleb.
-
I Chronicles 4:5
Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.
Here the text shifts from Ashhur’s birth to his role as a patriarch, noting his two wives and establishing his lineage through the city of Tekoa.