Asenath
Asenath in the Bible — wife of Joseph (GEN 41:45). Referenced in 5 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “peril; misfortune”
Profile
- Gender
- female
- Scripture References
- 5 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 4 connections
Biography
Asenath is a female figure in the Bible known primarily as the wife of Joseph, the son of Jacob. She is identified as the daughter of Potiphera, a priest of On, and is notable for her role as the mother of Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Her story highlights a connection between the Israelites and Egypt through marriage.
Names & Titles
The name Asenath means '[belonging to] Neith,' referencing an Egyptian deity, which reflects her Egyptian heritage. This proper name is not given by God but is recorded in Genesis 41:45.
Family
Asenath is explicitly identified as the daughter of Potiphera. She is the wife of Joseph and the mother of Manasseh and Ephraim, who were later adopted by Jacob and became heads of two of the twelve tribes of Israel. These relationships show her significant place within the patriarchal lineage.
Significance
Asenath's marriage to Joseph represents God's providential plan extending beyond the Israelite nation, incorporating Gentile elements into His covenant community. Through her sons Manasseh and Ephraim, she became an ancestor of two tribes of Israel, demonstrating how God's blessings and promises are fulfilled through unexpected channels. Her role underscores the inclusiveness of God's redemptive purposes as revealed in Scripture.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- אָֽסְנַ֗ת
- Transliteration
- asenat
- Meaning
- [belonging to] Neith
- Greek
- Ασεννεθ
- Reference
- GEN 41:45
- Strong's
- H621
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Asenath in the Bible?
Asenath is a female figure in the Bible known primarily as the wife of Joseph, the son of Jacob. She is identified as the daughter of Potiphera, a priest of On, and is notable for her role as the mother of Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Her story highlights a connection between the Israelites and Egypt through marriage.
What does the name Asenath mean?
The name Asenath means “peril; misfortune” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.