Ἀσά

From the study of Matthew 1:7

Range of meaning

Asa (Hebrew ʾAsa, possibly 'healer') was the third king of Judah after the split, and a reformer whom Kings judges favourably (1 Kgs 15:11). Asaph (Hebrew ʾAsaph, 'he gathers') was a Levite singer appointed under David (1 Chr 16:5). Psalms 50 and 73–83 are credited to him.

Against the English

KJV, NIV, NLT, BSB and WEB have 'Asa.' ESV and NRSV follow the oldest manuscripts and print 'Asaph,' with a footnote saying the king Asa is meant.

Used elsewhere in the period

Early manuscripts read Ἀσάφ: Sinaiticus, Vaticanus, Ephraemi and the papyrus 𝔓1, along with several early translations. Later Byzantine manuscripts read Ἀσά. Most modern critical editions (Nestle-Aland, UBS) print Ἀσάφ. The same pattern occurs in verse 10, where early manuscripts read 'Amos' (the prophet's name) for King 'Amon.'

From the study of Matthew 1:8

Range of meaning

Asa (Hebrew ʾĀsāʾ, meaning uncertain, perhaps 'healer') was the third king of Judah after the split of the kingdom (reigned c. 911–870 BC). He is praised for removing idols (1 Kings 15:9–24; 2 Chronicles 14–16). Asaph (Hebrew ʾĀsāp) was a Levite singer under David. Twelve psalms carry his name (Psalms 50, 73–83).

Against the English

BSB, KJV, WEB, YLT, NIV and NLT print 'Asa'. ESV and NRSV follow the critical Greek text and print 'Asaph'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Ἀσάφ is the reading of the earliest manuscripts (ℵ B C, families 1 and 13, and others). Ἀσά is in the later majority of manuscripts. Matthew does something similar in v. 10, where the early text reads Ἀμώς (Amos, the prophet's name) for King Amon. Metzger's Textual Commentary reports that the editorial committee judged Ἀσάφ original, and Ἀσά a scribe's correction toward the Old Testament spelling.