Asher
Asher in the Bible — eighth-born son of Jacob (GEN 30:11, GEN 35:26), son of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid. Asher belonged to the tribe of Asher. Referenced in 24 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “happiness”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Asher
- Scripture References
- 24 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 23 connections
Biography
Asher was a male figure in the Bible, known as the eighth-born son of Jacob through Zilpah, Leah's handmaid. He is the progenitor of the tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The biblical record does not provide additional personal notes beyond his lineage and tribal affiliation.
Names & Titles
The name Asher means 'Happy One,' reflecting a positive declaration at his birth. This name was given by Leah, not directly by God, and signifies joy and blessing associated with his arrival.
Family
Asher was the son of Jacob and Zilpah, making him a half-brother to the other sons of Jacob born to Leah, Rachel, and Bilhah, including Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. He had a full brother named Gad. The biblical text also infers Imnah as his father in a genealogical context.
Significance
Asher holds significance as the founder of the tribe bearing his name, which was known for its prosperity and fertile coastal lands. His birth was marked by Leah's declaration of blessing, highlighting the tribe's future abundance. The tribe of Asher is also notable in the New Testament through the prophetess Anna, who witnessed Jesus's presentation, linking Asher's lineage to the coming of Christ.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- אָשֵֽׁר
- Transliteration
- asher
- Meaning
- Happy One
- Greek
- Ασηρ
- Reference
- GEN 30:13
- Strong's
- H836
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Asher in the Bible?
Asher was a male figure in the Bible, known as the eighth-born son of Jacob through Zilpah, Leah's handmaid. He is the progenitor of the tribe of Asher, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The biblical record does not provide additional personal notes beyond his lineage and tribal affiliation.
What does the name Asher mean?
The name Asher means “happiness” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.