Ἀσά

Asa

Definition

Ἀσά (Asa) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name אָסָא, referring to a significant king of Judah. In the New Testament, Asa appears exclusively in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:7-8, where he is listed as the son of Abijah and father of Jehoshaphat. This identifies him as the third king of the Kingdom of Judah, who reigned for 41 years (c. 911–870 BC), as recorded in the Old Testament (1 Kings 15:8-24, 2 Chronicles 14-16). The name itself means 'healer' or 'physician' in Hebrew, though the New Testament usage does not explore this meaning, focusing solely on his historical, genealogical role.

Biblical Usage

The word Ἀσά is used only twice in the New Testament, both occurrences in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:7, 1:8) within the opening genealogy. Its usage is strictly as a proper noun, serving as a historical anchor point in the lineage tracing from Abraham to Jesus Christ. There are no other contextual uses or patterns; it functions purely to establish Davidic descent and royal heritage for Jesus.

Etymology

Ἀσά is a direct Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name אָסָא (Asa), which likely derives from the Hebrew root אָסָא, meaning 'to heal' or 'physician.' The Greek form simply adapts the Hebrew name into the Greek alphabet without semantic change, a common practice for personal names in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) and the New Testament.

Semantic Range

Asa's inclusion in Matthew's genealogy (Matthew 1:7-8) is theologically significant as it connects Jesus to the Davidic kingly line, fulfilling Old Testament messianic prophecies (e.g., 2 Samuel 7:12-16). While Asa himself is noted in Chronicles as a king who initiated religious reforms (2 Chronicles 14:2-5), his primary New Testament role is to affirm Jesus' legal right to the throne of David. Understanding this Greek form enriches reading by highlighting the continuity between the Testaments and the meticulous preservation of Jesus' heritage.

In its original cultural setting, the name Asa would have been recognized by Jewish and early Christian readers familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures as a king praised for removing idolatry and fortifying Judah (1 Kings 15:11-15). The Greek transliteration preserves this identity without additional cultural commentary, serving as a bridge between Hebrew history and the Greek-speaking audience of the New Testament.

Δαυίδ (Dauid, G1138) — Another king in Jesus' genealogy, but specifically the covenant king and ancestor. | Ἀβραάμ (Abraam, G11) — Patriarchal ancestor in the same genealogy, representing the foundational covenant promise.

Word Details

Scripture References