from עָשָׂה and אֵל; made of God; Asiel, an Israelite; Asiel.
Transliteration:ʻĂsîyʼêl
Pronunciation:as-ee-ale'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun עֲשִׂיאֵל (ʻĂsîyʼêl), Strong's number `{{H6221}}`, is a compound name derived from two significant Hebrew roots: עָשָׂה (ʻāśāh, `{{H6213}}`), meaning "to make," "to do," "to fashion," or "to accomplish," and אֵל (ʼēl, `{{H410}}`), which is a common Semitic term for "God" or "deity," frequently used to refer to the God of Israel. Thus, the name ʻĂsîyʼêl fundamentally conveys the meaning "made of God," "God has made," or "creation of God." As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed by this etymological derivation, pointing directly to divine agency in creation or formation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻĂsîyʼêl (Asiel) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the genealogical records of the tribe of Simeon:
* [[1 Chronicles 4:35]]: "And Joel, and Jehu the son of Joshibiah, the son of Seraiah, the son of Asiel,"
In this solitary occurrence, Asiel is identified as an ancestor within the lineage of the tribe of Simeon. He is the great-grandfather of Jehu, a prominent figure in the Simeonite genealogy, specifically noted for leading 400 men who conquered the Amalekites in the days of King Hezekiah ([[1 Chronicles 4:42-43]]). While the text provides no specific actions or narratives about Asiel himself, his inclusion in this meticulously preserved genealogy underscores his role in the continuation of the tribal line. The Chronicler's emphasis on genealogies often serves to validate claims to land, priesthood, or tribal identity, and to demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His people through generations. Asiel's position within this lineage, leading to figures who actively participated in the expansion and defense of their territory, implicitly connects him to God's providential care for His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The constituent elements of ʻĂsîyʼêl are deeply significant in biblical theology:
* **עָשָׂה (ʻāśāh, `{{H6213}}`):** This verb is one of the most versatile and frequently used in the Hebrew Bible, encompassing a wide range of actions from physical creation (e.g., God "making" the heavens and the earth in [[Genesis 1:7]], [[Genesis 1:16]]) to the performance of deeds, the keeping of covenants, and the accomplishment of divine will. Its presence in Asiel's name highlights a divine act of formation or bringing into being.
* **אֵל (ʼēl, `{{H410}}`):** This is a foundational term for God, appearing in numerous compound names (e.g., Israel, Immanuel, Gabriel, Michael, Daniel, Samuel). Its inclusion universally points to a direct relationship with or attribute of God. In names, it signifies that the individual is "of God," "from God," or that God is the subject or object of the name's verbal component.
The concept of God "making" or "fashioning" individuals is pervasive in Scripture, from the creation of Adam in God's image ([[Genesis 1:27]], [[Genesis 2:7]]) to the psalmist's declaration of being "fearfully and wonderfully made" ([[Psalm 139:14]]). Names like Asiel, which explicitly state divine creation, reinforce this theological truth that human life is not accidental but divinely purposed and originated.
### Theological Significance
The name ʻĂsîyʼêl, meaning "made of God," carries profound theological weight, even for a figure about whom the biblical text offers no further details.
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Creation:** The name unequivocally asserts God's active role in the creation and formation of human beings. It serves as a personal affirmation of the biblical doctrine that all life originates from God's creative power. Every individual, including Asiel, is a testament to God's handiwork.
2. **God's Providence in Lineage:** Within the context of a genealogy, the name subtly points to God's meticulous care and faithfulness in preserving His people through successive generations. The very existence of Asiel, and his descendants, is attributed to God's ongoing work, ensuring the fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham regarding a numerous offspring ([[Genesis 12:2]], [[Genesis 15:5]]).
3. **Identity Rooted in God:** For ancient Israelites, names were often prophetic or declarative of identity and destiny. Asiel's name would have constantly reminded his family and community that his very being was a divine act. This fosters a worldview where human existence is not self-derived but utterly dependent on and purposed by the Creator.
4. **Reverence for Life:** The theological implication extends to a reverence for all human life as divinely "made." It underscores the inherent dignity and value of every individual as a creation of the Almighty.
### Summary
The Hebrew name עֲשִׂיאֵל (ʻĂsîyʼêl, `{{H6221}}`) is a composite term meaning "made of God" or "God has made," combining the verb for "to make" (ʻāśāh, `{{H6213}}`) with the divine name "God" (ʼēl, `{{H410}}`). Appearing only once in [[1 Chronicles 4:35]], Asiel is identified as an ancestor within the genealogy of the tribe of Simeon. Though no specific actions are recorded for him, his name itself is a profound theological statement. It affirms God's active, sovereign role in creation and providence, highlighting that human existence, even within the intricate fabric of a tribal lineage, is a direct result of divine workmanship. The name serves as a constant reminder that every individual is "made of God," underscoring the deep theological truth of God's creative power and His faithfulness in sustaining His people through generations.
TRV