אַשְׂרִיאֵל (as.ri.el)
as.ri.el
Asriel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Asriel, rendered from the Hebrew אַשְׂרִיאֵל, carries the meaning "prince of God" or "God is my prince." It appears in the biblical records as a proper noun for two distinct figures within the tribe of Manasseh. This concise title reflects a personal devotion to divine authority and protection.
One individual named Asriel is identified as the son of Gilead, appearing in the census lists of Numbers 26:31. He is part of the later generation of Manasseh’s descendants, with brothers including Abiezer and Helek. A second figure shares this name in 1 Chronicles 7:14, where he is listed as a direct son of Manasseh himself. While the sources do not clarify if these are the same person or distinct ancestors, both usages anchor the name firmly within the genealogical records of Israel’s tribal heritage.
Translators typically retain the phonetic form "Asriel" rather than translating the meaning directly, preserving its identity as a specific personal name. The element "El" in the name points to God, while the root suggests leadership or princely status. This linguistic structure is common in Hebrew names, embedding theological affirmation into everyday identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Asriel means "prince of God." In ancient Israel, names were not just labels but declarations of identity and faith. By bearing this name, the individuals in Scripture carried a reminder that their status and security came from the Lord alone. It reflects a life rooted in divine authority rather than human power.
When we read these genealogies in Numbers or Chronicles, we see ordinary people included in God’s grand story. Their names connect us to a long line of believers who trusted in His promises. This connection reminds us that every person matters to God and is part of His enduring plan for redemption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Asriel2×
- and/ Asriel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אַ֨שְׂרִיאֵ֔ל1×
- אַשְׂרִיאֵל֙1×
- אַשְׂרִיאֵ֖ל1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:31
and Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and Shechem, the family of the Shechemites;
This verse places Asriel within the census of the second generation, showing how his family line continued after the Exodus.
-
Joshua 17:2
So this was for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, for the children of Helek, for the children of Asriel, for the children of Shechem, for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida. These were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.
Here the name appears as a tribal division receiving land in Canaan, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to provide for His people.
-
I Chronicles 7:14
The sons of Manasseh: Asriel, whom his concubine the Aramitess bore. She bore Machir the father of Gilead.
This record identifies Asriel as a son of Manasseh, preserving his lineage through a concubine and ensuring his family is remembered in Israel's history.