Understanding Ἀσήρ (Asēr) Strong’s G768: A Hebrew Tribe Name Echoing Through the New Testament

Pronunciation Guide: ah-SAIR (with emphasis on the second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G768: Ἀσήρ (Asēr) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name אָשֵׁר (Asher), meaning “happy” or “blessed.” It refers to the eighth son of Jacob and Leah’s handmaid Zilpah, who became the ancestor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In the New Testament, it appears in connection with the prophetess Anna’s tribal lineage.

Etymology and Morphology

• Proper Noun
• Hebrew origin: אָשֵׁר (Asher)
• Used primarily in genealogical and historical contexts
• Indeclinable in Greek
• Appears in both narrative and prophetic sections

Ἀσήρ Morphology:

• Ἀσήρ (indeclinable) – Asher/Aser

Origin & History

The name Ἀσήρ originates from the Hebrew אָשֵׁר (Asher), first appearing in Genesis when Leah names Zilpah’s second son, exclaiming “Happy am I!” (Genesis 30:13). The Septuagint consistently transliterates this name as Ἀσήρ, maintaining this form throughout both Old and New Testaments.

In classical Greek literature, the name doesn’t appear outside of Jewish contexts. However, Josephus, in his “Antiquities of the Jews” (1.290), uses this Greek form when discussing the twelve tribes, demonstrating its established use in Hellenistic Jewish literature.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Tribal patriarch – Eighth son of Jacob
• Tribal territory – Region in northern Israel
• Personal name meaning happiness or blessedness

Ἀσήρ Translation Options:

• Asher – Most common English translation, following Hebrew pronunciation
• Aser – Older English translations (KJV, following Greek form)
• Asēr – Academic transliteration of Greek form

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, Ἀσήρ appears notably in Luke 2:36, identifying Anna the prophetess as being “of the tribe of Asher.” This reference is significant as it demonstrates the preservation of tribal identity even into the first century AD, particularly among those anticipating the Messiah.

In the Septuagint, the name appears frequently in the historical and prophetic books, particularly in:

• “Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher” Luke 2:36
• “Of the tribe of Asher were sealed twelve thousand” Revelation 7:6
• “Asher shall dip his foot in oil” Deuteronomy 33:24

Cultural Insights

The tribal territory of Asher was known for its rich olive groves, fulfilling Jacob’s blessing that “Asher’s food would be rich” (Genesis 49:20). This agricultural abundance made the tribe’s region particularly prosperous, though historical records suggest they never fully possessed their allotted territory from the Canaanites.

The presence of Anna, identified specifically as from the tribe of Ἀσήρ, in the Temple during the Messiah’s presentation is particularly significant. As a member of one of the “lost” northern tribes, her presence in Jerusalem demonstrates that while the northern kingdom was dispersed, individual families maintained their tribal identity through careful genealogical records.

Theological Significance

The preservation of tribal identities, including Ἀσήρ, through the exile and into the New Testament era demonstrates יהוה (Yahweh)’s faithfulness to His covenant promises. Even after the northern kingdom’s exile, God maintained a remnant from each tribe, fulfilling His promise that Israel would never cease to be a nation before Him (Jeremiah 31:35-37).

The appearance of Ἀσήρ in Revelation 7:6 among the sealed 144,000 further confirms God’s faithful preservation of all twelve tribes through history, pointing to His sovereign control over human events and His unwavering commitment to His chosen people.

Personal Application

The story of Ἀσήρ reminds us that God’s promises span generations and remain true even when circumstances make them seem impossible. Just as Anna’s tribal identity was preserved through centuries of dispersion, we can trust that God’s promises to us in the Messiah are secure, regardless of how impossible they may seem from our limited perspective.

Consider how you might be part of God’s long-term plans, even if you can’t see the full picture. Like Anna, who remained faithful in temple service into her eighties, we’re called to trust God’s promises and timing, knowing that He works across generations to fulfill His purposes.

Related Words

• εὐλογητός (eulogētos) [yoo-log-ay-TOS] – blessed, worthy of praise; connects to the meaning of Asher’s name – See G2128
• μακάριος (makarios) [mak-AR-ee-os] – blessed, happy; reflects the original meaning of Asher’s name – See G3107
• φυλή (phylē) [foo-LAY] – tribe, race; often used in reference to the twelve tribes – See G5443

Did you Know?

• The territory of Ἀσήρ included some of the most fertile land in ancient Israel, particularly known for its olive oil production. This agricultural abundance fulfilled both Jacob’s and Moses’ blessings concerning the tribe’s prosperity.
• Despite being part of the northern kingdom that was exiled by Assyria in 722 BC, some families from the tribe of Ἀσήρ maintained their tribal identity through careful genealogical records for over 700 years, as evidenced by Anna’s identification in Luke’s gospel.
• The tribal territory of Ἀσήρ extended to the Mediterranean coast and included what would later become important Phoenician cities like Tyre and Sidon, though historical records indicate the tribe never fully possessed these areas.

Remember This

Ἀσήρ stands as an eternal testimony to God’s faithfulness in preserving His people through history, from tribal patriarch to prophetic witness of the Messiah’s arrival.