Lexical Summary Ashkenaz: Ashkenaz Original Word: אַשְׁכְּנַז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ashkenaz Of foreign origin; Ashkenaz, a Japhethite, also his descendants -- Ashkenaz. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a son of Gomer, also his desc. and their land NASB Translation Ashkenaz (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַשְׁכְּנַז proper name, masculine 1. a descendant of Japhet Genesis 10:3 = 1 Chronicles 1:6; = 2 a northern people Jeremiah 51:27 מַמְלְכוֺת אֲרָרָט מִנִּי וְאַשְׁכְּנָ֑ז (perhaps a people Bithynia, = Ascan(ians) + az ending of Armen. patronymics, see especially LenOr. ii. 388 f., also LagGes, Abhandl. 254 f. Di Genesis 10:3; but see LagArmen. Stud. 143). אֶשְׁכָּר see II. שׁכר. אשׁל (be firm, firmly rooted, compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Canonical References Genesis 10:3; 1 Chronicles 1:6; Jeremiah 51:27 Genealogical Context Ashkenaz is named among the first post-Flood generations. “The sons of Gomer were Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah” (Genesis 10:3; repeated in 1 Chronicles 1:6). As a grandson of Japheth through Gomer, Ashkenaz belongs to the line traditionally associated with the spread of Indo-European peoples. The placement in the Table of Nations affirms that all ethnic groups trace their origin to a single family preserved through Noah, underscoring both the unity and diversity of humanity established by God. Geographical and Ethnological Considerations The Table of Nations orders Japheth’s descendants westward and northward from Ararat. Ancient sources connect Ashkenaz with the northern regions of Asia Minor or the southern shores of the Black Sea, areas later occupied by Phrygian or Scythian peoples. The linkage with Ararat and Minni in Jeremiah 51:27 situates Ashkenaz in the vicinity of ancient Armenia, aligning with the broader “kingdoms of the north” theme in prophetic literature. Prophetic Role in Jeremiah “Raise the banner in the land! Blow the trumpet among the nations! Prepare the nations against her; summon against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz” (Jeremiah 51:27). Here Ashkenaz is invoked as an instrument of divine judgment on Babylon. The verse illustrates that nations unknown or peripheral to Judah can still be summoned by God to accomplish His purposes. The prophetic inclusion of Ashkenaz confirms God’s sovereignty over all geopolitical powers, validating the earlier genealogical record by showing these ancient peoples still active in redemptive history. Historical Legacy and Jewish Tradition By the early medieval period, Jewish usage transferred the name Ashkenaz to the Germanic lands, giving rise to the term “Ashkenazi” for Jews of Central and Eastern Europe. While this later meaning lies outside biblical chronology, it demonstrates the enduring impression of Genesis 10 upon collective memory and identity formation. Theological Themes 1. Sovereign Control of Nations: From genealogical origins to prophetic engagement, Ashkenaz exemplifies how God directs ethnic groups for His overarching plan (Proverbs 21:1). Practical and Ministry Insights • Genealogies Encourage Mission: Knowing that every people group descends from a common ancestor fuels compassion and urgency for global evangelism. Forms and Transliterations אַשְׁכֲּנַ֥ז אשכנז וְאַשְׁכְּנָ֑ז ואשכנז ’aš·kă·naz ’aškănaz ashkaNaz veashkeNaz wə’aškənāz wə·’aš·kə·nāzLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 10:3 HEB: וּבְנֵ֖י גֹּ֑מֶר אַשְׁכֲּנַ֥ז וְרִיפַ֖ת וְתֹגַרְמָֽה׃ NAS: of Gomer [were] Ashkenaz and Riphath KJV: of Gomer; Ashkenaz, and Riphath, INT: the sons of Gomer Ashkenaz and Riphath and Togarmah 1 Chronicles 1:6 Jeremiah 51:27 3 Occurrences |