עַשְׁוָ֑ת (ash.vat)
ash.vat
Ashvath
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ashvath appears only once in Scripture, recorded in the genealogy of the tribe of Asher at 1 Chronicles 7:33. He is identified as the son of Japhlet and brother to Pasach and Bimhal, placing him among the early ancestors of Israel before the establishment of the monarchy.
Linguistically, the name translates to "sleek" or "smooth." This meaning likely describes a physical characteristic, perhaps referring to healthy hair or skin, which was often associated with vitality and well-being in ancient Near Eastern culture. As a proper noun, it serves as a simple identifier within a long list of tribal descendants.
Its solitary occurrence highlights the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, which preserve the names of individuals who might otherwise be forgotten. While Ashvath does not play an active role in the narrative history of Israel, his inclusion affirms the continuity of the tribe of Asher and the preservation of family lines through generations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Names in Scripture often carry meanings that reflect God’s attention to detail. The name Ashvath, appearing only once in 1 Chronicles 7:33, means "sleek" or "smooth." In ancient culture, such physical traits were seen as signs of health and vitality. Though this brief mention is part of a long genealogy, it reminds us that every individual matters to God.
Genealogies like this one preserve the memory of ancestors who might otherwise be forgotten. Ashvath’s inclusion shows how God values family lines and continuity. For believers today, this offers comfort: no name is too small for God’s record. Each person in these lists contributes to the larger story of Israel, pointing to God’s faithfulness across generations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Ashvath1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/עַשְׁוָ֑ת1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 7:33
The sons of Japhlet: Pasach, Bimhal, and Ashvath. These are the children of Japhlet.
This verse records Ashvath as a son of Japhlet, anchoring his identity within the tribe of Asher's lineage.