Lexical Summary Asaph: Asaph Original Word: Ἀσάφ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Asa. Of Hebrew origin ('Aca'); Asa, an Israelite -- Asa. see HEBREW 'Aca' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin, cf. Asaph and Asa Definition Asa, a king of Judah NASB Translation Asa (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 760: ΑσαΑσα (Chaldean אֲסָא, to cure), Asa, king of Judah, son of king Abijah (1 Kings 15:8ff): Matthew 1:7f. (L T Tr WH read Ἀσάφ which see.) STRONGS NT 760a: ἀσαίνωἀσαίνω: in 1 Thessalonians 3:3, Kuenen and Cobet (in their N. T. ad fidem manuscript Vat., Lugd. 1860 (pref., p. xc.)), following Lachmann (who followed Valckenaer in following J. J. Reiske (Animad. ad Polybius, p. 68); see Valck. Opuscc. ii. 246-249) in his larger edit., conjectured and received into their text μηδέν ἀσαίνεσθαι, which they think to be equivalent to ά᾿χθεσθαι, χαλεπως φέρειν. But there is no necessity for changing the Rec. (see σαίνω, 2 b. β.), nor can it be shown that ἀσαίνω is used by Greek writings for ἀσάω. Greek 760 (Ἀσάφ) appears twice, both in the opening genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:7-8). Most English translations, including the Berean Standard Bible, render the name “Asa,” matching the godly king of Judah (see 1 Kings 15:9-24), yet the earliest extant Greek manuscripts read “Asaph.” Historical Identity 1. Asa, son of Abijah and third king of Judah, instituted sweeping reforms, removed idolatry, repaired the altar of the LORD, and trusted God against overwhelming Ethiopian forces (2 Chronicles 14 – 16). Genealogical Function in Matthew Matthew orders Jesus’ lineage to highlight messianic kingship and covenant continuity. By recording Ἀσάφ rather than Ἀσά (Asa), the evangelist (or an early copyist) draws attention to both royal and worship traditions: Thus, whether the reading is original or arose through early harmonization, either form serves Matthew’s inspired aim—to present Jesus as the royal, prophetic, and priestly fulfillment of Israel’s hope. Theological Significance 1. Royal Reformation Foreshadowing: Asa’s zeal for purity prefigures the Messiah’s cleansing of the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). Textual and Manuscript Considerations • “Ἀσάφ” is read by Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus, and several other early witnesses; “Ἀσά” appears mainly in later Byzantine tradition. Worship and Ministry Implications • Reformation precedes revival: Asa’s reforms teach that sincere worship flourishes where idolatry is dethroned. Devotional Application Because the Messiah descends through reformers and worshipers alike, every believer—whether engaged in civic leadership like Asa or in temple praise like Asaph—finds purpose in pointing to Christ. The dual witness of king and psalmist calls the church to holiness and heartfelt worship while awaiting the final restoration promised in Jesus Christ. |
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