עֲשָׂהאֵל (a.sa.h.el)

a.sa.h.el

Asahel

H6214 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 17 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 17 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Asahel means "God-made" or "created by God." It appears seventeen times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in 2 Samuel and Chronicles. The most prominent figure bearing this name was a nephew of King David, son of Zeruiah, and brother to Joab and Abishai. He is remembered for his exceptional speed, which led to his death during a battle against the army of Ish-bosheth.

According to 2 Samuel 2:18-23, Asahel pursued the enemy commander Abner with relentless haste. His refusal to turn aside from the chase resulted in him being struck down by Abner’s spear. This tragic end serves as a narrative warning about the dangers of unchecked ambition and stubbornness, even when driven by martial prowess.

The name also appears later in Israel's history, attached to Levites and priests. In 2 Chronicles 17:8, an Asahel taught the law during Jehoshaphat’s reign. Another held administrative duties over temple tithes under Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 31:13), and a priest named Asahel appears in the time of Ezra. These later mentions show the name enduring among those dedicated to religious service.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Asahel means "God-made." It appears in the Bible attached to several different men, but one story stands out. Asahel was known for his incredible speed, running like a wild gazelle. During a battle, he chased an enemy commander with such focus that he did not stop, even when warned. His refusal to turn aside led to his death. This moment shows how single-minded pursuit, even of a worthy goal, can become dangerous if it ignores wisdom and the safety of others.

Yet the name carries more than just this warning. Later in Scripture, other men named Asahel served as Levites teaching the law or overseeing temple resources. These figures show that the identity of being "God-made" is not limited to one moment of action. It also includes quiet faithfulness, obedience, and service within the community of believers. We are shaped by God for specific purposes, whether in moments of high drama or steady daily work.

When we read these accounts, we see that our lives are held together by God’s design. Some chapters involve swift decisions with lasting consequences. Others involve long-term dedication to duty. Both reflect the reality that we are created for a reason. We can trust that God sees both our speed and our stillness, using each part of our story for His purposes.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Asahel7×
-el6×
and/ Asahel4×
Asah-4×
and/ Asah-2×
O Asahel1×

Forms in the text

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

עֲשָׂה\־4×
עֲשָׂהאֵ֔ל3×
עֲשָׂהאֵ֛ל2×
וַ/עֲשָׂה\־2×
אֵל֙2×
אֵ֥ל2×
עֲשָׂהאֵ֧ל1×
עֲשָׂהאֵ֖ל1×
עֲשָׂהאֵ֑ל1×
וַ/עֲשָׂהאֵל֙1×
וַ/עֲשָׂהאֵ֡ל1×
וַ/עֲשָׂהאֵ֜ל1×

Key Verses

II Samuel 2:18
The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle.

This verse establishes Asahel's defining trait of exceptional speed, which becomes the central element of his narrative arc.
II Samuel 2:23
However, he refused to turn away. Therefore Abner with the back end of the spear struck him in the body, so that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there and died in the same place. As many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.

The result of his relentless pursuit is recorded here, showing how ignoring warnings leads to a tragic and final outcome.
II Chronicles 17:8
and with them Levites, even Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.

This occurrence shifts the focus from military prowess to spiritual instruction, showing another Asahel dedicated to teaching God's law.
II Chronicles 31:13
Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, by the appointment of Hezekiah the king and Azariah the ruler of God’s house.

Here an Asahel serves in administrative oversight of temple tithes, highlighting a role of faithful stewardship rather than combat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Asahel mean?

The name Asahel translates to "God-made" or "created by God." It is a Hebrew name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, attached to different individuals who served in various capacities.

Who was the most famous Asahel in the Bible?

The most prominent figure is the son of Zeruiah and brother to Joab. He was a warrior known for his speed, which led to his death during a battle against Abner's forces as described in 2 Samuel 2.

Are there other people named Asahel in Scripture?

Yes, the name appears several times. Other individuals include Levites who taught the law under King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:8), an overseer of temple tithes under Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 31:13), and a man named in Ezra's list of those opposing foreign marriages.

Why is Asahel's story important for Christians today?

His narrative illustrates the dangers of unchecked ambition and stubbornness. It serves as a reminder that even good traits like determination can become harmful if they ignore wisdom, warnings, and the well-being of others.

Every Occurrence (17 verses across 4 books)

II Samuel 11 verses

II Samuel 2:18

The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle.

II Samuel 2:19

Asahel pursued Abner. He didn’t turn to the right hand or to the left from following Abner.

II Samuel 2:20

Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” He answered, “It is.”

II Samuel 2:21

Abner said to him, “Turn away to your right hand or to your left, and grab one of the young men, and take his armor.”…

II Samuel 2:22

Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn away from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I look…

II Samuel 2:23

However, he refused to turn away. Therefore Abner with the back end of the spear struck him in the body, so that the…

II Samuel 2:30

Joab returned from following Abner; and when he had gathered all the people together, nineteen men of David’s and…

II Samuel 2:32

They took up Asahel and buried him in the tomb of his father, which was in Bethlehem. Joab and his men went all night,…

II Samuel 3:27

When Abner had returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the middle of the gate to speak with him quietly, and…

II Samuel 3:30

So Joab and Abishai his brother killed Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.

II Samuel 23:24

Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty: Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

I Chronicles 3 verses

II Chronicles 2 verses

Ezra 1 verse