6221. Asiel

Lexical Summary

Asiel: Asiel

Original Word: עֲשִׂיאֵל
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Asiy'el
Pronunciation: ah-see-EL
Phonetic Spelling: (as-ee-ale')
KJV: Asiel
NASB: Asiel
Word Origin: [from H6213 (עָשָׂה - To do) and H410 (אֵל - God)]

1. made of God
2. Asiel, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Asiel

From asah and 'el; made of God; Asiel, an Israelite -- Asiel.

see HEBREW asah

see HEBREW 'el

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from asah
Definition
a Simeonite
NASB Translation
Asiel (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

עֲשִׂיאֵל proper name, masculine Simeonite 1 Chronicles 4:35, Ασιηλ.

Topical Lexicon

Name and Theological Overtones

The name עֲשִׂיאֵל (Asiel) carries the idea that God Himself is the active agent in creation and history, an emphasis that resonates throughout the Simeonite genealogy in which it appears. The Chronicler weaves the theme of divine agency into a seemingly routine family record to affirm that every generation is sustained by the Lord’s hand.

Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context

1 Chronicles 4:35 is the sole biblical occurrence:

“Joel, Jehu son of Joshibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel,” (Berean Standard Bible).

The verse stands in the middle of a detailed roster of Simeonite clans (4:24-43). Four generations are traced through Asiel, culminating in leaders who spearheaded the tribe’s southward expansion and settlement in the days of Hezekiah.

Tribal and Historical Significance

• Simeonite Distinctiveness: Originally allotted towns inside Judah’s territory (Joshua 19:1-9), Simeon risked absorption. By listing Asiel, Scripture attests that the tribe remained identifiable and fruitful: “Their families had increased greatly” (1 Chronicles 4:38).
• Territorial Expansion: Asiel’s descendants joined the 500 Simeonite warriors who struck the Amalekite remnant in Seir and occupied the land “to this very day” (4:43). His line thus helped fulfill Israel’s covenant mandate to possess the land.
• Chronicler’s Theology: The Chronicler’s inclusion of peripheral tribes like Simeon underscores the unity of all Israel under God’s covenant, temple worship, and Davidic rule.

Genealogical Function

1. Validation of Leadership—By naming Asiel, the Chronicler traces the authority of later clan chiefs to a legitimate ancestor.
2. Testimony to Providence—Four generations span an otherwise silent historical period, illustrating God’s quiet preservation of His people.
3. Covenant Continuity—Despite Simeon’s earlier decline (Numbers 1, 26), the genealogy anchored in Asiel shows renewed multiplication and blessing.

Spiritual and Ministry Lessons

• Hidden yet Significant—A single-mention individual reminds believers that God values every faithful life, even when unnoticed by history.
• Generational Impact—Asiel’s unseen influence shaped leaders who advanced God’s purposes; parents and mentors today shape future gospel laborers.
• Bold Obedience—The military and pioneering exploits of Asiel’s line call the church to courageous advancement of the gospel into unreached fields.
• Structured Leadership—The Simeonite chiefs are “mentioned by name” (4:38), illustrating transparent, accountable leadership beneficial for any ministry.

Intertextual Echoes

• Psalm 127:1—“Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain,” echoing the divine action implied in Asiel’s name.
• Genesis 49:5-7—Jacob foretells Simeon’s scattering; Asiel’s lineage shows God preserving the tribe among Judah while granting new territories.
• 1 Peter 2:5—Believers are “being built” into a spiritual house, mirroring the motif of God as builder behind Asiel’s name.

Summary

Though confined to one verse, Asiel contributes meaningfully to the biblical narrative. His name highlights God’s ongoing work, his genealogy affirms Simeon’s survival and expansion, and his legacy encourages modern believers to trust in, and cooperate with, the Lord who continues to build His people from generation to generation.

Forms and Transliterations

עֲשִׂיאֵֽל׃ עשיאל׃ ‘ă·śî·’êl ‘ăśî’êl asiEl

Englishman's Concordance

1 Chronicles 4:35
HEB: שְׂרָיָ֖ה בֶּן־ עֲשִׂיאֵֽל׃
NAS: of Seraiah, the son of Asiel,
KJV: of Seraiah, the son of Asiel,
INT: of Seraiah the son of Asiel

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 6221
1 Occurrence

‘ă·śî·’êl — 1 Occ.