Meaning of the Name Asa
The etymology of Asa is not certain. Some interpreters connect it with the semantic field of "healing" or "physician," while others suggest a different root or an older proper-name form. For that reason, it is better not to present one single meaning as beyond dispute.
Origin
The name Asa is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Asa in the Bible?
Asa was king of Judah and is remembered in Scripture especially for his reforming efforts. He took action against idolatrous practices, though the final part of his life is also presented in a critical light regarding political and medical matters. His story appears especially in 1 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 14-16.
The story of Asa in the Bible
Asa was a king of Judah in the first century of the divided kingdom. According to 1 Kings 15:9 he came to the throne during the reign of Jeroboam of Israel and ruled for many years in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 14:2 says he did what was good and right in the eyes of God: he removed pagan altars, cleansed the land of foreign cult objects, and called the people back to the God of their ancestors, even deposing his own grandmother from her royal position because of her idolatry. Faced with a massive invading army, he cried out to God, and the narrative credits the victory to that prayer. In his later years, however, the picture changes: under pressure from Israel he relied on an alliance with the king of Aram rather than on God, and imprisoned the seer Hanani who rebuked him. According to 2 Chronicles 16:12, when a severe disease struck his feet he sought only the physicians. Asa's story thus stands as a sobering example of a strong beginning and a trust that shifted.
Is Asa mentioned in the Quran?
Asa does not appear as a personal name in the Quran; in the Old Testament, in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, he is the reforming king of Judah.
Verses where Asa appears
- 1 Kings 15:9 —
In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Asa to reign over Judah.
- 2 Chronicles 14:2 —
Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of Yahweh his God:
- 2 Chronicles 16:12 —
In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet; his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he didn’t seek Yahweh, but to the physicians.