The verb אָסַף (root: א-ס-ף) means “to gather,” “to collect,” or “to assemble.” It is used frequently in the Hebrew Bible in both literal and figurative contexts: gathering people, collecting objects, or even being “gathered to one’s ancestors” (a euphemism for death).
It is most commonly found in the Qal and Niphal binyanim:
- Qal: to gather, to collect, to bring in
- Niphal: to be gathered (often used in passive or reflexive senses)
This verb plays a significant role in narratives (e.g., gathering manna, assembling the people) and in theological expressions (e.g., being gathered to one’s people in death).
Qal Binyan Conjugation of אָסַף
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אָסַפְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | אָסַפְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | אָסַפְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | אָסַף |
| 3rd person feminine singular | אָסְפָה |
| 1st person plural | אָסַפְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | אֲסַפְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | אֲסַפְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | אָסְפוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | אֹסֵף |
| Feminine singular | אֹסֶפֶת |
| Masculine plural | אֹסְפִים |
| Feminine plural | אֹסְפוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶאֱסֹף |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תֶּאֱסֹף |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תֶּאֱסְפִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יֶאֱסֹף |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תֶּאֱסֹף |
| 1st person plural | נֶאֱסֹף |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תֶּאֱסְפוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תֶּאֱסֹפְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יֶאֱסְפוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | אֱסֹף |
| 2nd person feminine singular | אִסְפִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | אִסְפוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | אֱסֹפְנָה |
Niphal Binyan Conjugation of נֶאֱסַף
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | נֶאֱסַפְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | נֶאֱסַפְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | נֶאֱסַפְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | נֶאֱסַף |
| 3rd person feminine singular | נֶאֱסְפָה |
| 1st person plural | נֶאֱסַפְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | נֶאֱסַפְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | נֶאֱסַפְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | נֶאֱסְפוּ |
Present (Participle)
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | נֶאֱסָף |
| Feminine singular | נֶאֱסֶפֶת |
| Masculine plural | נֶאֱסָפִים |
| Feminine plural | נֶאֱסָפוֹת |
Usage in Scripture
The verb אָסַף is rich in usage across Scripture:
- Exodus 16:26 – שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים תִּלְקְטֻהוּ וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי שַׁבָּת לֹא יִהְיֶה בוֹ
“For six days you shall gather it [the manna].” - Numbers 20:24 – יֵאָסֵף אַהֲרֹן אֶל־עַמָּיו
“Aharon will be gathered to his people.” - Genesis 49:33 – וַיֵּאָסֶף אֶל־עַמָּיו
“And he was gathered to his people.”
Summary
The verb אָסַף is a powerful and flexible root in biblical Hebrew. In everyday use, it means to gather or collect. But in poetic and theological usage, it evokes imagery of assembly, community, and even the afterlife. Understanding its Qal and Niphal forms opens the door to reading rich biblical narratives with clarity and depth.
