Brief Overview of Ἀσήρ (G768: Asēr)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Asēr

Root Words:

• Ἀσήρ is a proper noun, used as the name of an individual. The name is derived from the Hebrew word אֵשֶׁר (ʾĀšēr), meaning “happy” or “blessed.”

Primary Meanings:

• Asher: The name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob’s son Asher.
• Happy or Blessed: Reflecting the meaning of the name in Hebrew, the term signifies happiness or blessedness.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG identifies Ἀσήρ as a proper noun referring to one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name denotes a tribal designation with roots in Hebrew, reflecting the sense of “happiness” or “blessedness” associated with the tribe’s name.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes Ἀσήρ as the name of the eighth son of Jacob, who is the progenitor of the tribe of Asher. It notes the name’s Hebrew origin and its meaning as “happy” or “blessed.”

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary refers to Ἀσήρ as one of the sons of Jacob, highlighting the tribal connection and the etymological meaning related to happiness.

LSJ: LSJ does not provide an extensive entry for Ἀσήρ, focusing more on the usage of the term within the context of biblical references.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies Ἀσήρ as “Asher,” one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The term is associated with the Hebrew meaning of “happy” or “blessed.”

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Bible Verses:

• Genesis 30:13 (KJV): “And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.”
• Here, Ἀσήρ is used as the name of Leah’s son, reflecting the Hebrew meaning of “happy” or “blessed.”
• Deuteronomy 33:24 (KJV): “And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil.”
• The verse reflects the blessings associated with the tribe of Asher.
• 1 Chronicles 5:29 (KJV): “The sons of Asher: Imnah, and Ishvah, and Ishvi, and Beriah, and their sister Serah.”
• Lists the descendants of Asher, demonstrating the tribe’s lineage.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Herodotus’ Histories: Mentions various tribes and regions, but does not focus specifically on Ἀσήρ. However, it reflects the context of tribal names and their significance.
• Aristotle’s Politics: Discusses tribal structures and regional influences, indirectly relating to the concept of tribal names like Ἀσήρ.
• Homer’s Iliad: While not directly mentioning Ἀσήρ, the epic deals with tribal and familial structures similar to those reflected in biblical names.

4. Summary:

Ἀσήρ (G768: Asēr) refers to the eighth son of Jacob, from whom the tribe of Asher is descended. The name Ἀσήρ translates to “happy” or “blessed” in Hebrew, reflecting a positive connotation associated with the tribe. In the Bible, it signifies the tribe’s historical and spiritual significance, and while it does not feature prominently in classic Greek literature, it is an important element of biblical and historical studies.