אסנת

Asenath is an ancient and fascinating Hebrew name that holds rich cultural wealth and deep historical significance. The name is primarily known from the Book of Genesis, where Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Heliopolis), was given in marriage to Joseph the Righteous by Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Asenath bore Joseph two sons - Manasseh and Ephraim - who became heads of tribes in the people of Israel. Asenath's story is particularly unique, as she represents the encounter between ancient Egyptian culture and the Hebrew people, and is considered the first convert in Jewish history, who accepted the faith of Israel and entered into the covenant. The origin of the name Asenath is disputed among language and biblical scholars. The most accepted interpretation is that the name derives from ancient Egyptian, meaning "belonging to the goddess Neith" or "of the goddess Neith," where Neith was the goddess of hunting and war in Egyptian mythology, worshiped primarily in the western Delta region. However, Hebrew interpretations of the name also exist: some argue that the name is composed of "asan" - treasure or storehouse, with a feminine suffix, meaning "woman of treasure" or "possessor of wealth." Another interpretation connects the name to the root "asan" in the sense of gathering and collecting, suggesting a woman who unites and centers her family. In Midrashic literature, the form "Osnat" with a vav also appears, emphasizing the meaning of gathering and accumulation. The character of Asenath developed in Jewish literature throughout the generations. The Midrashim tell that Asenath was actually the daughter of Dinah, Jacob's daughter, who was born from the incident with Shechem, and Jacob expelled her from his house. She was placed on a tree outside the camp, and God sent down angels who brought her to Egypt to Potiphera's house. Thus, in fact, Asenath was of Israel's blood itself, and her marriage to Joseph was worthy and blessed. This story expresses the sages' desire to purify her lineage and emphasize that the tribes that came from her - Ephraim and Manasseh - were of pure Israelite seed. There is even an ancient apocryphal book called "Joseph and Aseneth," written during the Second Temple period, which describes in detail Asenath's conversion process, her spiritual struggles, and her pure love for Joseph. This book was very popular in Jewish and Christian communities and greatly influenced perceptions of conversion and repentance.

אָסְנַת

Asenath | Osnat | Asnat

Girl

No

Genesis 41:45 - And he gave him Asenath the daughter of Potiphera priest of On to be his wife

In Kabbalah, the name Asenath symbolizes the process of purification and spiritual ascent, the transition from matter to spirit. Asenath represents the holy spark found even in the lowest places, and she is an example of the power of repentance and conversion. The name carries within it the number nine (511 in gematria), symbolizing completeness and cyclicality, and is connected to the Sefirah of Yesod that connects the upper and lower realms.

511

7

Osnat Vishinsky - Israeli actress | Osnat Fishman - Israeli journalist and TV presenter | Osnat Hakim - Israeli actress and creator | Asenath Barzani - Kurdish Jewish scholar (17th century) | Osnat Golan - Israeli attorney and social activist

אסתר | עדנה | אסף | נעמי | רחל | דינה

4558 times