Asher
malePatriarchalMeaning: “Happy; blessed”
The eighth son of Jacob, born to Zilpah; his name means "happy," and his tribe was blessed with rich, fertile land producing "royal dainties."
Biography
Asher was the eighth son of Jacob, the second born to Leah's handmaid Zilpah. Leah named him Asher — "happy" — saying, "Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed" (Genesis 30:13).
Father of a tribe
Jacob's blessing promised abundance: "Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties" (Genesis 49:20). The tribe inherited the rich coastal land of western Galilee. Generations later, the aged prophetess Anna, who greeted the infant Jesus in the temple, was "of the tribe of Aser" (Luke 2:36).
Life Timeline
Born to Zilpah; Leah names him "happy"
On the Bible timeline
Asher belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Asher
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Asher appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
4 verses in 1 bookGenesis4 verses
Genesis 30:13
And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher. Happy: Heb. In my happiness Asher: that is, Happy
Genesis 35:26
And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram.
Genesis 46:17
And the sons of Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister: and the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel.
Genesis 49:20
Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.
Frequently asked about Asher
Who was Asher in the Bible?
The eighth son of Jacob, born to Zilpah; his name means "happy," and his tribe was blessed with rich, fertile land producing "royal dainties."
What does the name Asher mean?
The name Asher means “Happy; blessed”.
What did Asher do in the Bible?
Asher served as patriarch.
Who were Asher's parents?
Asher was the child of Jacob, Zilpah.
Where does Asher appear in the Bible?
Asher is mentioned 4 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Asher?
The story of Asher touches on themes of jacob, tribes of israel, the, zilpah, children — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Asher's life.
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