Asa
Asa in the Bible — King of Judah (1KI 15:9), son of incestuous relationship between Abijah and his mother, Maacah (1KI 15:10). Asa belonged to the tribe of Judah. Referenced in 6 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “physician; cure”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Judah
- Scripture References
- 6 references
- Known Names
- 3 names
- Relationships
- 3 connections
Biography
Asa was a male king from the tribe of Judah, uniquely noted as the son of an incestuous relationship between Abijah and his mother Maacah. He served as King of Judah, and his heart was wholly devoted to the LORD throughout his life. His reign is marked by sincere commitment to God despite his complex family background.
Names & Titles
The name Asa likely means 'healer' or 'myrtle,' reflecting a proper name of Hebrew origin. He is also known by the titles 'King of Judah' and 'King Asa,' which simply denote his royal position without additional divine naming significance.
Family
Scripture records Asa as the son of Abijam and Maacah, with an inferred relationship to Jehoshaphat as his father. These connections place him within the royal lineage of Judah, though his birth involved an unusual and troubling family circumstance.
Significance
Asa stands out as a king who initially exemplified wholehearted devotion to God, following the righteous example of David. He enacted reforms against idolatry and immorality, securing peace for Judah through faith. However, his later reliance on foreign alliances instead of God, and his harsh treatment of a prophet who confronted him, illustrate the dangers of departing from complete trust in the LORD, emphasizing the biblical principle of finishing well in faith.
Key Events
Names & Labels (3)
- Hebrew
- אָסָא
- Transliteration
- asa
- Meaning
- [poss.] healer; myrtle
- Greek
- Ασα
- Reference
- 1KI 15:8
- Strong's
- H609
- Hebrew
- מֶלֶך יְהוּדָה
- Transliteration
- melek yəhudah
- Meaning
- king of Judah
- Greek
- βασιλεύει Ασα ἐπὶ Ιουδαν
- Reference
- 1KI 15:9
- Strong's
- H4428, H3063
- Hebrew
- מֶּלֶךְ אָסָ֗א
- Transliteration
- melek asa
- Meaning
- king Asa
- Greek
- βασιλεὺς Ασα
- Reference
- 1KI 15:18
- Strong's
- H4428, H609
Notes
the heart of Asa was wholly devoted to the LORD all his days (1KI 15:14)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Asa in the Bible?
Asa was a male king from the tribe of Judah, uniquely noted as the son of an incestuous relationship between Abijah and his mother Maacah. He served as King of Judah, and his heart was wholly devoted to the LORD throughout his life. His reign is marked by sincere commitment to God despite his complex family background.
What does the name Asa mean?
The name Asa means “physician; cure” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.