### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Ἀσά (Asá, `{{G760}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew proper noun אָסָא (Asa, `{{H609}}`). The Hebrew name itself is derived from the root אָסָה, meaning "to heal" or "physician." Thus, the intrinsic meaning of the name "Asa" is "healer" or "physician." As a proper noun, its semantic range in the New Testament is limited to identifying a specific individual within a genealogical context. It does not carry a broader conceptual meaning beyond personal identification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, Ἀσά (Asá, `{{G760}}`) appears exclusively in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically within the genealogy of Jesus Christ:
* [[Matthew 1:7]]: "Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa."
* [[Matthew 1:8]]: "Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram."
These occurrences place Asa as a direct ancestor in the royal line of David, linking him to the lineage through which the Messiah would come.
The primary biblical figure associated with this name is Asa, the third king of Judah (after the division of the kingdom), whose reign is extensively documented in [[1 Kings 15:9-24]] and [[2 Chronicles 14:1-16:14]]. His reign is characterized by an initial period of strong religious reform, where he removed idolatry, cult prostitutes, and high places from Judah, and encouraged the people to seek the Lord. He relied on God in a significant battle against Zerah the Cushite ([[2 Chronicles 14:9-15]]), resulting in a decisive victory. However, later in his reign, he exhibited a decline in faith, relying on a human alliance with Ben-Hadad of Aram instead of the Lord against King Baasha of Israel ([[1 Kings 15:16-22]], [[2 Chronicles 16:1-6]]). When confronted by the prophet Hanani for this lack of trust, Asa reacted with anger, imprisoning the prophet and oppressing some of the people ([[2 Chronicles 16:7-10]]). Furthermore, in his final illness, he sought help from physicians rather than the Lord ([[2 Chronicles 16:12]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that Ἀσά (Asá, `{{G760}}`) is a transliterated proper noun, its primary relationship is with its Hebrew original, אָסָא (Asa, `{{H609}}`). The Hebrew root from which the name derives, אָסָה, meaning "to heal," connects it thematically to concepts of healing, health, and divine providence.
In terms of biblical figures and themes, Asa is related to:
* **The Davidic Line:** His position in the genealogy of Jesus highlights his role in the continuity of God's covenant promises to David.
* **Kings of Judah:** He is part of the succession of kings who ruled in Jerusalem, often contrasted with the kings of Israel.
* **Religious Reform:** His early reign is a prime example of a king who led the nation in a return to covenant faithfulness.
* **Trust in God vs. Human Reliance:** His life serves as a case study illustrating the consequences of both relying on God and relying on human strength or wisdom.
### Theological Significance
Asa's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus ([[Matthew 1:7-8]]) underscores the sovereign continuity of God's plan of salvation through the lineage of David, even amidst the imperfections and failures of human kings. His life provides a poignant theological lesson:
* **The Importance of Sustained Faith:** Asa's initial faithfulness and reliance on God brought blessing and victory, demonstrating that obedience and trust are foundational for divine favor.
* **The Danger of Compromise and Human Reliance:** His later turn to human alliances and his failure to seek the Lord in his illness illustrate the spiritual pitfalls of self-reliance and a departure from consistent trust in God. This serves as a cautionary tale against spiritual complacency and the temptation to trust in worldly power or wisdom rather than the Almighty.
* **God's Overarching Purpose:** Despite Asa's later shortcomings, God's promise to David remained intact, culminating in the birth of the Messiah. This highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when human instruments falter.
* **Irony of the Name:** The name "Asa," meaning "healer," stands in ironic contrast to his final act of seeking only human physicians rather than the divine Healer for his terminal illness ([[2 Chronicles 16:12]]), emphasizing the spiritual blindness that can accompany a decline in faith.
### Summary
Ἀσά (Asá, `{{G760}}`) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name אָסָא (Asa, `{{H609}}`), meaning "healer" or "physician." In the New Testament, it appears exclusively in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in [[Matthew 1:7-8]], identifying him as an ancestor in the royal line of David. The Old Testament narrative of King Asa details a reign marked by significant early religious reforms and reliance on God, leading to divine blessing and military success. However, his later years were characterized by a decline in faith, marked by reliance on human alliances and a failure to seek the Lord in his final illness. Theologically, Asa's life serves as a powerful illustration of the importance of sustained faith and the dangers of compromising trust in God, while simultaneously affirming God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the Davidic lineage for the coming of the Messiah.
TRV