The Hebrew verb אָשַׁר (root: א-ש-ר) has several shades of meaning depending on context and binyan (verbal stem). In its core sense, it can mean “to go straight,” “to walk uprightly,” “to approve,” or “to confirm.” It appears in both literal and figurative contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible.
In the Qal form, it can mean “to go straight” or “to be blessed/upright” (though this is rare), and in the Piel form, it commonly means “to approve,” “to confirm,” or “to pronounce blessed.”
Piel Binyan Conjugation of אָשַׁר
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אִישַּׁרְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | אִישַּׁרְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | אִישַּׁרְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | אִישֵּׁר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | אִישְּׁרָה |
| 1st person plural | אִישַּׁרְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | אִישַּׁרְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | אִישַּׁרְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | אִישְּׁרוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | מְאַשֵּׁר |
| Feminine singular | מְאַשֶּׁרֶת |
| Masculine plural | מְאַשְּׁרִים |
| Feminine plural | מְאַשְּׁרוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֲאַשֵּׁר |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תְּאַשֵּׁר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תְּאַשְּׁרִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יְאַשֵּׁר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תְּאַשֵּׁר |
| 1st person plural | נְאַשֵּׁר |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תְּאַשְּׁרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תְּאַשֵּׁרְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יְאַשְּׁרוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | אַשֵּׁר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | אַשְּׁרִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | אַשְּׁרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | אַשֵּׁרְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
The Piel form of אָשַׁר is used in poetic and wisdom literature:
- Proverbs 3:18 – מְאַשְּׁרֶיהָ
“Those who hold her fast are called blessed.” (referring to wisdom) - Isaiah 3:12 – מְאַשְּׁרֶיךְ מַתְעִים
“Your leaders cause you to err.” – showing a figurative meaning of approval or leadership gone wrong.
Summary
The verb אָשַׁר is used to express the ideas of affirmation, uprightness, and blessing. Most commonly used in the Piel stem, it describes someone being approved or called blessed, especially in wisdom and prophetic texts. Its connection to the noun אַשְׁרֵי (“blessed is…”) helps shape the biblical concept of divine favor and ethical straightness.
