אָסְנַת

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The name ʼÂçᵉnath, represented by H621, is of Egyptian derivation and refers to Asenath, the wife of Joseph. This name appears 3 times in 3 unique verses in the Bible. The scriptures identify her as the woman Pharaoh gave to Joseph as a wife, and as the mother of his two sons.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H621 is used to identify a key figure in the life of Joseph. Pharaoh gave Asenath to Joseph as a wife after naming him Zaphnathpaaneah Genesis 41:45. Her lineage is specified; she is the daughter of Potipherah, who was a priest of On Genesis 41:45. The scriptures record that she bare two sons to Joseph in the land of Egypt before the famine began (Genesis 41:50, Genesis 46:20).

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the role and identity of Asenath:

• H3130 Yôwçêph (Joseph): The name of her husband, to whom she was given in marriage by Pharaoh Genesis 41:45.
• H6319 Pôwṭîy Pheraʻ (Potipherah): The name of her father, identified as an Egyptian priest Genesis 41:50.
• H1121 bên (son): This word, meaning son, is used to describe the two children, Manasseh and Ephraim, that Asenath bore to Joseph Genesis 41:50.
• H3205 yâlad (to bear): This root word is used to describe her action of bearing children for Joseph Genesis 46:20.

Theological Significance

The narrative significance of H621 is tied directly to the life of Joseph and the future of his lineage.

• Establishment of Lineage: Asenath is the mother of Manasseh and Ephraim Genesis 46:20. The two sons she bare to Joseph established his lineage in Egypt before the years of famine came Genesis 41:50.
• Joseph's Status in Egypt: Her marriage to Joseph, arranged by Pharaoh, marks the height of Joseph's authority in Egypt. Being the daughter of a priest of On, she came from a prominent Egyptian family Genesis 41:45.
• Identity in the Covenant: Her name is consistently recorded alongside her father's, Potipherah the priest of On, and her husband, Joseph, cementing her specific place within the patriarchal records Genesis 46:20.

Summary

In summary, H621 ʼÂçᵉnath is a significant figure in the Genesis account. As the Egyptian wife given to Joseph by Pharaoh, and the daughter of the priest of On, her story is intertwined with Joseph's rise to power. Her most crucial role is as the mother who bare Manasseh and Ephraim, ensuring the continuation of Joseph's lineage in Egypt.