The Hebrew name ʼĂsarʼêl, represented by H840, means right of God. This name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the biblical text. Its sole function is as the personal name of an Israelite man mentioned in a genealogy.
The single appearance of H840 is within a genealogical record in the book of Chronicles. In the lineage of Jehaleleel, Asareel is listed as one of his sons. The verse reads, "And the sons of Jehaleleel; Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asareel" 1 Chronicles 4:16. This context places him firmly within the tribal records of Israel but provides no further narrative details about his life.
Several related words appear in the same verse, establishing Asareel's immediate family and context:
- H3094 Yᵉhallelʼêl (praising God): This is the name of Asareel's father. Like his son's name, it incorporates a direct reference to God.
- H1121 bên (a son): The Hebrew word for "sons" that introduces the list, establishing the genealogical relationship between Jehaleleel and his offspring, including Asareel.
- H2128 Zîyph (flowing): Named as a brother of Asareel. Ziph is also documented as the name of a place in Palestine Joshua 15:55.
- H2129 Zîyphâh (a flowing): The feminine form of Ziph, listed as a sibling of Asareel 1 Chronicles 4:16.
- H8493 Tîyrᵉyâʼ (fearful): Another brother of Asareel listed as a son of Jehaleleel.
The theological weight of H840 comes directly from its definition rather than its narrative use.
- Theophoric Identity: The name Asareel is theophoric, incorporating the Hebrew word for God, ʼêl. This common practice in ancient Israel rooted a person's identity in their relationship with God.
- A Statement of Faith: By meaning "right of God," the name itself is a declaration. It likely reflects a parental hope or a statement about the individual's perceived standing or destiny in relation to God.
- Genealogical Record: Its inclusion in the official genealogies of Chronicles, though brief, signifies the importance of preserving each individual's place within the larger story and lineage of the people of Israel.
In summary, H840 ʼĂsarʼêl is a personal name that, despite its single, non-narrative use, carries significance through its meaning. Found only in the genealogical list of 1 Chronicles 4:16, the name "right of God" serves as a powerful example of how personal identity in the Old Testament was often intertwined with an individual's or family's faith and relationship with God.
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