Who was Asarel in the Bible?

Asarel was a man from the tribe of Judah, listed as a son of Jehallelel in a genealogical record (1 Chronicles 4:16). He is only mentioned in this single verse, with no further details about his life or deeds provided in Scripture.

Why is Asarel mentioned in the Bible?

Asarel's mention preserves the genealogical line of the tribe of Judah, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises through specific family lineages. His inclusion, though brief, helps establish the continuity and historical record of God's people.

Are there any stories or key events about Asarel?

No, the Bible records no stories, key events, or specific actions involving Asarel. His sole appearance is as a name in the genealogy found in 1 Chronicles 4:16, which focuses on tracing family heritage rather than narrating individual lives.

Asarel

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Asarel was a son of Jehallelel, a descendant of Judah (1 Chr 4:16).

Asarel

Biography

Asarel was a son of Jehallelel, a descendant within the tribe of Judah preserved in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 4:16. He appears in a section of the Chronicler's Judahite lineages that traces various clans and families descending from Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and the ancestral patriarch of the royal tribe. Jehallelel's four sons, Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel, are listed together, representing a branch of the tribal genealogy whose particular history and function are not elaborated in Scripture. Asarel's inclusion in this register, though brief, reflects the Chronicler's consistent interest in preserving the full scope of the covenant community's family lines. His name, meaning 'whom God has bound' or 'whom God has made upright,' carries a theologically resonant significance for a descendant of Judah.

Significance

Asarel's significance lies in his place within the genealogical framework of the tribe of Judah, the tribe from which Israel's kingship descended and through which the messianic promise was carried. The Chronicler's genealogies in 1 Chronicles 1–9 serve a deliberate theological purpose: to establish continuity between Israel's ancient tribal heritage and the post-exilic community's identity. Every name in these lists, including Asarel, represents a link in the covenant chain that runs from the patriarchs through the monarchy and into the restoration period. His brief appearance affirms the biblical conviction that belonging to God's covenant people is itself significant, identity, lineage, and faithfulness to one's calling matter even when they are not accompanied by notable historical deeds.

Verse Appearances (1)

1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 4:16

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources