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אַשְׁנָה (ash.nah)

ash.nah

Ashnah

H0823 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 2 verses

N:N--L

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
2 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N--L

Word Overview

The name Ashnah appears in the Book of Joshua as one of several towns assigned to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:33, 43). It is listed among the settlements in the lowland region, marking a specific geographic location within the tribal inheritance.

Etymologically, the name is often interpreted as meaning "I will cause change" or "change." While this linguistic connection offers an interesting layer of meaning, the text itself uses the word strictly as a proper noun for these two distinct places. The repetition of the name in different lists highlights its significance as a settled community within the broader landscape of ancient Judah.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Ashnah appears in the Book of Joshua as a marker of God’s faithfulness to His promises. It is listed among the towns assigned to the tribe of Judah, reminding us that every detail of the inheritance was carefully recorded and fulfilled.

Though it may seem like just another entry in an ancient list, these places represent real communities where people lived, worked, and worshipped. The repetition of Ashnah in different sections of Joshua highlights its importance as a settled part of Judah’s territory.

For us today, this word invites reflection on how God provides stability and belonging. Just as Ashnah was a fixed point in the landscape of ancient Israel, we can trust that God establishes secure foundations for His people, anchoring them in His purposes.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • and/ Ashnah2×

Forms in the text

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

  • וְ/אַשְׁנָֽה\׃1×
  • וְ/אַשְׁנָ֖ה1×

Key Verses

  • Joshua 15:33
    In the lowland, Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,

    This verse places Ashnah among the lowland towns of Judah, showing its role as part of the tribe's settled inheritance.

  • Joshua 15:43
    Iphtah, Ashnah, Nezib,

    Here, Ashnah is listed again near Nezib, reinforcing its significance as a recognized community within Judah’s borders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ashnah mean?

Ashnah is a proper noun, likely derived from a root meaning 'change' or 'alteration.' In Joshua, it refers to specific towns assigned to the tribe of Judah.

Why is Ashnah mentioned twice in Joshua?

The repetition emphasizes its importance as a settled community within Judah’s territory. It appears in two different lists, highlighting its role in the tribal inheritance.

How does Ashnah relate to God's promises?

Ashnah is one of many towns listed in Joshua 15, showing how God fulfilled His promise to give Israel a specific land. Each place marks a step in that faithful provision.

Is Ashnah significant beyond its geographic location?

While primarily a place name, its inclusion in the inheritance lists underscores God’s attention to detail. It reminds readers that every part of the land was intentionally assigned.

Every Occurrence (2 verses across 1 books)

Joshua 2 verses
Joshua 15:33

In the lowland, Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,

Joshua 15:43

Iphtah, Ashnah, Nezib,