Lexical Summary asoph: storehouse, storehouses Original Word: אָסֻף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance collection of offeringsPassive participle of 'acaph; collected (only in the plural), i.e. A collection of offerings) -- threshold, Asuppim. see HEBREW 'acaph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom asaph Definition a store (i.e. a supply of provisions) NASB Translation storehouse (2), storehouses (1). Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Setting The term אָסֻף appears three times, each in connection with the Temple gates and the Levite gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 26:15; 1 Chronicles 26:17; Nehemiah 12:25). In every context it refers to designated “storehouses” or “storerooms” located immediately beside one of the southern entrances to the Temple complex. These rooms were integral to the daily function of the sanctuary and operated under strict Levitical oversight. Function within the Temple Complex 1. Storage of holy contributions – tithes, firstfruits, free-will offerings, incense, oil, grain, and vessels used in worship. Ministry Significance for the Levites The lot system in 1 Chronicles 26 assigns Obed-Edom’s sons to the asuppim: “The lot for the South Gate fell to Obed-Edom, and the lot for the storehouse fell to his sons.” (1 Chronicles 26:15) Serving there required the same faithfulness as officiating at the altar. By guarding, recording, and dispensing the people’s gifts, these Levites modeled stewardship, accountability, and service behind the scenes—ministries as essential to covenant life as music, sacrifice, or teaching. Theological Themes and Spiritual Application Gathering for God – The root idea of “being gathered” parallels the Lord’s purpose for His people: to collect, protect, and consecrate resources—material and spiritual—for His glory (Malachi 3:10). Holiness of offerings – Positioning the storerooms at the very gate presents a continual reminder that all wealth passes under divine scrutiny before it may be enjoyed (Deuteronomy 26:13-15). Joyful provision – Nehemiah celebrates the singers and gatekeepers who “guarded the storerooms at the gates” (Nehemiah 12:25); worship and logistics merge seamlessly when hearts delight in giving. Historical Development • First Temple era – Solomon’s Temple likely contained comparable chambers (1 Kings 7:51). Christological and Ecclesiological Reflections The gathering motif culminates in Jesus Christ, the One who “will gather His wheat into the barn” (Matthew 3:12). The Church likewise becomes a living storehouse, entrusted with the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10). Just as Levites stood watch at the asuppim, elders and deacons are called to guard doctrine and steward resources for the ministry of the Word and the care of the saints (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:8-13). Related Passages and Concepts Malachi 3:10; 2 Chronicles 31:11-12; Nehemiah 13:12-13; Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. Forms and Transliterations בַּאֲסֻפֵּ֖י באספי הָאֲסֻפִּֽים׃ האספים׃ וְלָאֲסֻפִּ֖ים ולאספים ba’ăsuppê ba·’ă·sup·pê baasupPei hā’ăsuppîm hā·’ă·sup·pîm haasupPim velaasupPim wə·lā·’ă·sup·pîm wəlā’ăsuppîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 26:15 HEB: וּלְבָנָ֖יו בֵּ֥ית הָאֲסֻפִּֽים׃ NAS: and to his sons went the storehouse. KJV: and to his sons the house of Asuppim. INT: his sons the house the storehouse 1 Chronicles 26:17 Nehemiah 12:25 3 Occurrences |
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