עֲמָשָׂא (a.ma.sa)
a.ma.sa
Amasa
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Amasa, meaning "burden," identifies two distinct figures in the Hebrew Bible during the era of the United Monarchy. The more prominent individual appears primarily in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles as the son of Jether (also called Ithra) and Abigail, who was David’s sister. This connection made Amasa David’s nephew by marriage, linking him closely to the royal house through his mother’s line.
In the narrative of Absalom’s rebellion, Amasa is appointed commander of the rebel army, replacing Joab (2 Samuel 17:25). Later, after David regains control, he promises to make Amasa general in place of Joab (2 Samuel 19:13). Despite this political rise, his story ends abruptly when Joab murders him, removing a rival for military leadership. A second, lesser-known man named Amasa is listed as a prince of Ephraim during the reign of Ahaz (1 Chronicles 6:38), sharing the same name but unrelated to the royal family.
The etymology of the name highlights a common biblical pattern where personal names reflect heavy responsibilities or significant life circumstances. The contrast between Amasa’s appointed authority and his violent death underscores the turbulent political landscape of David’s later reign, where loyalty shifted rapidly and familial ties could not guarantee safety.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Amasa means "burden," a weight carried by two different men in Scripture. One was David’s nephew, appointed to lead armies during times of civil strife and betrayal. His story shows how quickly political loyalty can shift, even among family. The other is a lesser-known prince listed in the records of Ephraim. Both bear names that reflect heavy responsibilities placed upon them by God’s providence.
For your faith, this word reminds us that leadership and influence often come with significant pressure. Amasa’s tragic end at the hands of Joab illustrates the dangers of trusting in human alliances rather than divine justice. Yet, Scripture records these events not to glorify violence, but to show God’s sovereignty over history. Even when leaders fail or are betrayed, God’s plans for His people continue.
We can find comfort in knowing that our ultimate security does not rest in the stability of earthly authorities or the fairness of human systems. Instead, we look to the Lord, who judges with righteousness and protects the vulnerable. The burdens we carry today may feel overwhelming, but they are held by a God who sees every detail of our lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Amasa8×
- and/ Amasa5×
- to/ Amasa1×
- and/ to/ Amasa1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲמָשָׂ֖א2×
- עֲמָשָׂ֔א2×
- וַ/עֲמָשָׂ֖א2×
- עֲמָשָׂ֨א1×
- עֲמָשָׂ֥א1×
- עֲמָשָׂ֗א1×
- עֲמָשָׂ֑א1×
- לַ/עֲמָשָׂ֔א1×
- וַ/עֲמָשָׂ֨א1×
- וַ/עֲמָשָׂ֣א1×
- וַ/עֲמָשָׂ֛א1×
- וְ/לַ/עֲמָשָׂ֤א1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 17:25
Absalom set Amasa over the army instead of Joab. Now Amasa was the son of a man whose name was Ithra the Israelite, who went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab’s mother.
This verse establishes Amasa’s royal connection and his sudden rise to military command during Absalom’s rebellion.
-
II Samuel 20:10
But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab’s hand. So he struck him with it in the body and shed out his bowels to the ground, and didn’t strike him again; and he died. Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba the son of Bichri.
Here, Joab’s treachery results in Amasa’s death, highlighting the lethal political instability of David’s reign.
-
I Kings 2:32
Yahweh will return his blood on his own head, because he fell on two men more righteous and better than he, and killed them with the sword, and my father David didn’t know it: Abner the son of Ner, captain of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the army of Judah.
David reflects on Amasa as a righteous victim of Joab’s violence, affirming his innocence before God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Amasa mean?
Is there more than one Amasa in the Bible?
Why was Amasa killed?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 4 books)
II Samuel 7 verses
Absalom set Amasa over the army instead of Joab. Now Amasa was the son of a man whose name was Ithra the Israelite, who…
II Samuel 20:4Then the king said to Amasa, “Call me the men of Judah together within three days, and be here present.”
II Samuel 20:5So Amasa went to call the men of Judah together, but he stayed longer than the set time which had been appointed to him.
II Samuel 20:8When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab was clothed in his apparel of war…
II Samuel 20:9Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.
II Samuel 20:10But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab’s hand. So he struck him with it in the body and shed out his…
II Samuel 20:12Amasa lay wallowing in his blood in the middle of the highway. When the man saw that all the people stood still, he…