Lexical Summary Asér: Asher Original Word: Ἀσήρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Aser. Of Hebrew origin ('Asher); Aser (i.e. Asher), an Israelite tribe -- Aser. see HEBREW 'Asher NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Asher Definition Asher, one of the twelve Isr. tribes NASB Translation Asher (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 768: ΑσηρΑσηρ, ὁ, an indeclinable Hebrew proper name (אָשֵׁר (i. e. happy, Genesis 30:13)) (in Josephus, Ἀσηρος, Ἀσηρου, ὁ), Asher, the eighth son of the patriarch Jacob: Luke 2:36; Revelation 7:6. Topical Lexicon Heritage and NameAsher, the eighth son of Jacob and the second son of Zilpah, stands among the twelve tribes of Israel as a symbol of divine blessing and abundance. His name, meaning “happy,” reflects the joyful expectation voiced by his mother Leah (Genesis 30:13). Across Israel’s history the tribe became associated with rich produce, fertility, and oil-bearing hills. Old Testament Foundations Genesis 49:20 places Asher in Jacob’s prophetic farewell: “Asher’s food will be rich, and he will provide royal delicacies.” Centuries later Moses echoes the theme: “Most blessed of sons is Asher; may he be favored by his brothers, and may he dip his foot in oil” (Deuteronomy 33:24). The territory allotted to Asher in Joshua 19:24-31 stretched along the fertile northern coast, including prized olive groves that fulfilled those blessings. Prophetic Blessings and Covenant Faithfulness The blessings on Asher display two covenant patterns: 1. Provision flowing from the land under God’s favor. These patterns anticipate New Covenant principles: earthly resources are entrusted to God’s people for Kingdom expansion (2 Corinthians 9:8-11; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). Presence in the New Testament Luke 2:36 introduces “Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.” Her lineage underscores God’s remembrance of every tribe, even one often overshadowed in post-exilic history. Anna’s continuous worship and fasting in the temple link Asher’s ancient blessings to spiritual fruitfulness in the Messianic age. She becomes the first person of her tribe recorded celebrating the infant Messiah, proclaiming redemption to all who were waiting in Jerusalem (Luke 2:38). Revelation 7:6 lists Asher among the sealed: “twelve thousand from the tribe of Asher.” In the broader context of Revelation 7, the sealed from every tribe signify God’s preserving grace over His covenant people in the midst of eschatological turmoil. The inclusion of Asher testifies to the irrevocable nature of God’s promises (Romans 11:29), affirming that no tribe is forgotten in the consummation of redemption history. Theological Themes • Divine Preservation: From wilderness wanderings to the final sealing, Asher illustrates God’s ability to keep His people. Ministry Applications 1. Stewardship: Believers blessed materially or spiritually should “provide royal delicacies” to advance the Gospel, emulating Asher’s calling. Related Scriptures for Further Study Genesis 30:12-13; Genesis 35:26; Numbers 1:40-41; Judges 6:35; 1 Chronicles 12:36; Psalm 68:12-13; Ezekiel 48:2; Luke 1:68-75; Romans 15:27; Hebrews 6:10-12. Forms and Transliterations Ασηρ Ἀσήρ Ἀσὴρ Aser Asēr Asḗr AsḕrLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 2:36 NGRK: ἐκ φυλῆς Ἀσήρ αὕτη προβεβηκυῖα NAS: of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced KJV: the tribe of Aser: she INT: of [the] tribe of Asher she was advanced Revelation 7:6 N |
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