אָשֵׁר (a.sher)
a.sher
Asher
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 35 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Asher, or a.sher, literally means "happy" or "fortunate." It was given to the son of Jacob and his concubine Zilpah in Genesis 30:13, when his mother declared that women would call her happy because she had found good fortune. This etymology sets a tone of blessing for the tribe that descends from him.
As a proper noun, Asher refers primarily to this patriarch and the tribal territory he inherited in the fertile coastal plains of northern Israel. The sources note that the tribe is often mentioned in census lists and land allocations, such as in Numbers and Joshua. Their inheritance was known for richness, fitting the meaning of their ancestor's name.
The word also appears in a few other contexts. It can refer to a city east of Shechem in the territory of Manasseh. In Ezekiel 27:6, the same root is used to describe cypress or pine wood, highlighting the natural resources associated with the region. The name thus connects personal blessing, geographical abundance, and material wealth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Asher carries a meaning that feels like a gift: happiness or good fortune. In Genesis, Leah names her son this way because she believes women will call her happy for having found such favor. This moment reminds us that true joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep sense of being blessed by God.
As the tribe of Asher received land known for its richness and abundance, their story illustrates how God often provides generously for His people. We see this in Deuteronomy 33:24, where Moses blesses Asher with children and the image of dipping one's foot in oil, a symbol of wealth and peace.
When life feels heavy, remembering Asher invites us to look for God’s quiet blessings around us. Whether in family connections or material provision, these moments are reminders that we are known and cared for by the One who gives every good gift.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 35 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Asher23×
- and/ Asher4×
- from/ Asher3×
- in/ Asher2×
- and/ <on>/ Asher2×
- for/ Asher1×
- and/ of/ Asher1×
- and/ in/ Asher1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אָשֵׁ֖ר6×
- אָשֵׁ֑ר5×
- אָשֵׁ֗ר4×
- אָשֵׁ֔ר4×
- וּ/בְ/אָשֵׁר֙2×
- אָ֠שֵׁר2×
- מֵֽ/אָשֵׁ֔ר1×
- מֵ/אָשֵׁ֥ר1×
- מֵ/אָשֵׁ֖ר1×
- לְ/אָשֵׁ֕ר1×
- וּ/לְ/אָשֵׁ֣ר1×
- וּ/בְ/אָשֵׁ֗ר1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 30:13
Leah said, “Happy am I, for the daughters will call me happy.” She named him Asher.
This verse establishes the root meaning of the name as 'happy' or 'fortunate,' linking personal joy to divine favor.
-
Deuteronomy 33:24
About Asher he said, “Asher is blessed with children. Let him be acceptable to his brothers. Let him dip his foot in oil.
Moses’ blessing highlights Asher’s material abundance and social acceptance, portraying him as one who is acceptable to his brothers.
-
Genesis 49:20
“Asher’s food will be rich. He will produce royal dainties.
Jacob’s prophecy describes Asher’s food as rich and producing royal dainties, emphasizing the tribe's prosperity.
-
Joshua 19:24
The fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.
This verse marks the formal allocation of land to Asher, fulfilling the promise of inheritance for the tribe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Asher mean?
Who was Asher in the Bible?
Why is Asher associated with oil and wealth?
How is Asher mentioned in the Old Testament?
Every Occurrence (35 verses across 9 books)
Genesis 4 verses
Leah said, “Happy am I, for the daughters will call me happy.” She named him Asher.
Genesis 35:26The sons of Zilpah (Leah’s servant): Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram.
Genesis 46:17The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and Serah their sister. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel.
Genesis 49:20“Asher’s food will be rich. He will produce royal dainties.