Original Word: בַּעֲשֵׂיָה
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Ba`aseyah
Pronunciation: bah-ah-se-YAH
Phonetic Spelling: (bah-as-ay-yaw')
KJV: Baaseiah
NASB: Baaseiah
Word Origin: [from H6213 (עָשָׂה - To do) and H3050 (יָהּ - LORD) with a prepositional prefix]

1. in (the) work of Jah
2. Baasejah, an Israelite

Baaseiah

From asah and Yahh with a prepositional prefix; in (the) work of Jah; Baasejah, an Israelite -- Baaseiah.

see HEBREW asah

see HEBREW Yahh

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
a Levite
NASB Translation
Baaseiah (1).

בַּעֲשֵׂיָה proper name, masculine (? = מַעֲשֵׂיָה; so Thes; compare Dr^{Sm. lxviii}) a Levite 1 Chronicles 6:25; — compare מַעֲשֵׂיָה(וּׅ below עשׂה.

Biblical Appearance

Baaseiah is mentioned only once in Scripture, in the Levitical genealogy that traces the ancestry of the Temple singer Asaph: “the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah” (1 Chronicles 6:40).

Genealogical Placement

Levi → Gershom → Jahath → Shimei (also Shimea) → Zimmah → Ethan (or Ethni) → Adaiah → Zerah → Ethni → Malchijah → Baaseiah → Michael → Shimea → Berechiah → Asaph.

This line identifies Baaseiah as a Gershonite. The Gershonites were entrusted with carrying and maintaining the fabric and coverings of the Tabernacle (Numbers 3:25–26), a task later expanded into musical service in the Temple.

Role in Levitical Worship

1 Chronicles 6 records three chief musicians appointed by David—Heman, Asaph, and Ethan—each representing one of the three Levitical clans. Baaseiah stands in the lineage that culminates in Asaph, whose descendants led songs of praise for generations (2 Chronicles 20:14–19; Ezra 2:41; Nehemiah 11:17, 22). Thus, Baaseiah is part of the spiritual heritage that provided Israel with its inspired hymnody (Psalms 50; 73–83).

Historical Setting

Based on the number of generations between Levi and Asaph, Baaseiah likely lived in the transitional period between the Judges and the early monarchy. Although not directly named in narrative events, his placement indicates a life lived during centuries when Israel’s worship was moving from the itinerant Tabernacle toward the centralized Temple worship established by Solomon.

Theological Significance

1. Continuity of Covenant Worship: Baaseiah’s single mention underscores the biblical emphasis on faithful, often unseen generational service. His presence in the genealogy affirms that God values every link in the chain of worship, whether prominent or obscure.
2. Legacy Through Worship: By fathering Michael and standing in Asaph’s line, Baaseiah contributed to the musical leadership that shaped Israel’s corporate praise. The Psalms attributed to Asaph bear enduring witness to that heritage.
3. A Name That Points to Service: Though the etymology is not repeated here, the form of his name communicates dedication to the LORD, fitting for one whose descendants ministered continually before Him.

Lessons for Ministry Today

• Anonymous Faithfulness: Many servants of God appear briefly in Scripture yet play indispensable roles. Baaseiah’s example encourages believers who labor without public recognition.
• Generational Discipleship: His life reminds parents and leaders that their spiritual influence may bear fruit in future generations whose impact far exceeds their own.
• Worship as a Calling: The transition from Tabernacle carriers to Temple musicians illustrates how ministry roles can evolve while maintaining faithfulness to God’s original calling.

Summary

Baaseiah, though confined to a single genealogical note, stands as a quiet pillar supporting Israel’s worship heritage. His inclusion in the inspired record assures readers that God remembers and honors those who serve Him faithfully, even when history affords them only a brief mention.

בַּעֲשֵׂיָ֖ה בעשיה ba‘ăśêyāh ba·‘ă·śê·yāh baaseYahInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts