Lexical Summary asam: Storehouse, barn, granary Original Word: אָסָם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance barn, storehouse From an unused root meaning to heap together; a storehouse (only in the plural) -- barn, storehouse. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a storehouse NASB Translation barns (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [אָסָם] noun masculineProverbs 3:10 storehouse (Aramaic אסנא, id.,  store, supply) plural suffix אֲסָמֶיךָ Deuteronomy 28:8; Proverbs 3:10. Topical Lexicon Definition and Conceptual Scope אָסָם describes a fixed, enclosed structure for the storage of harvested produce—typically grain—within Israel’s agrarian society. More than a mere utility building, the term embodies the covenant theme of material blessing flowing from obedience, underscoring divine involvement in everyday provision. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Deuteronomy 28:8: “The LORD will command the blessing on you in your barns and on everything to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” These two references frame אָסָם as an emblem of overflowing prosperity bestowed by the LORD upon the faithful. Agricultural and Historical Background Ancient Israel depended on seasonal rainfall and timely harvests. A well-constructed barn safeguarded grain from pests, moisture, and theft, effectively extending the life of the crop until the next growing season. The presence of an אָסָם signaled both diligence in labor and confidence that God would continue to provide. Archaeological finds—from mud-brick silos in the Shephelah to stone-lined granaries in the northern highlands—illustrate how vital secure storage was for families and entire communities. Covenant Motif of Blessing and Obedience In Deuteronomy 28, the barn becomes a barometer of covenant fidelity. Blessing on the אָסָם is promised only after stipulations regarding wholehearted obedience to God’s commands (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). Conversely, disobedience would bring a curse that empties storehouses (Deuteronomy 28:17). Thus the barn serves as a visible gauge of the nation’s spiritual health. Wisdom Literature Perspective Proverbs 3:9-10 links full barns with honoring the LORD through firstfruits. By yielding the earliest and best portion, the Israelite demonstrated trust that God could supply the remainder. The principle moves beyond agriculture to encompass finances, time, and talents: generosity toward God begets divine replenishment. Broader Biblical Parallels Though different Hebrew or Greek terms may appear, the theology surrounding barns recurs: Ministry and Discipleship Implications 1. Stewardship: Believers are called to labor diligently, manage resources wisely, and anticipate future needs without succumbing to anxiety (Matthew 6:33). Prophetic and Eschatological Echoes Barns also point to the final harvest when the Lord gathers His wheat into the heavenly storehouse (Matthew 13:30). The secure אָסָם of eternity assures believers that present obedience will culminate in imperishable reward. Summary אָסָם functions as a tangible witness to God’s covenant faithfulness. When filled, it reflects obedience, diligent labor, and divine favor; when empty, it warns of neglecting the LORD. For the modern disciple, the term summons a life of wise stewardship, lavish generosity, and confident hope in God’s unfailing provision. Forms and Transliterations אֲסָמֶ֣יךָ אסמיך בַּאֲסָמֶ֕יךָ באסמיך ’ă·sā·me·ḵā ’ăsāmeḵā asaMeicha ba’ăsāmeḵā ba·’ă·sā·me·ḵā baasaMeichaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 28:8 HEB: אֶת־ הַבְּרָכָ֔ה בַּאֲסָמֶ֕יךָ וּבְכֹ֖ל מִשְׁלַ֣ח NAS: the blessing upon you in your barns and in all KJV: the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest INT: for the blessing your barns all you put Proverbs 3:10 2 Occurrences |
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