asaph
|eɪ-səf|
/ˈeɪsəf/
gatherer; collector
Etymology
'Asaph' originates from Hebrew, specifically the word 'אָסָף' (ʾĀsāf), where the root 'אסף' (asaf) meant 'to gather' or 'collector'.
'Asaph' passed from Biblical Hebrew into the Greek Septuagint as 'Ἀσάφ', then into Latin and later into Old and Middle English through Bible translations; it eventually remained in modern English as 'Asaph'.
Initially it meant 'gatherer' or 'collector' (a verbal/occupational sense), but over time it became established primarily as a proper name referring to the biblical figure and, by extension, as a given name.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a biblical proper name: a Levite singer, seer and chief of temple musicians in the Hebrew Bible, traditionally credited with some of the Psalms.
In the Bible, Asaph was known as a chief musician and a composer of several psalms.
Noun 2
a male given name of Hebrew origin, derived from a root meaning 'to gather' or 'collector'.
Asaph is still used occasionally as a given name in English-speaking communities.
Last updated: 2025/10/25 09:04