← Back to Lexicon
H791 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אַשְׁבֵּעַ
Ashbea
Proper Noun (masculine)
Ashbea / Father of Linen Workers

Definition

The name Ashbea (אַשְׁבֵּעַ) appears once in Scripture in 1 Chronicles 4:21. The 'house of Ashbea' was a family of guild workers in fine linen — a high-status craft in the ancient world. Fine linen (shesh) was associated with the tabernacle curtains, priestly garments, and royal dress.

Usage & Theological Significance

When God appointed Bezalel and Oholiab to build the Tabernacle, He specifically filled them with the Spirit of God in skill, ability, and knowledge (Exodus 31:3) — connecting the Holy Spirit directly to artisanal excellence. The linen workers of Ashbea's house continued this tradition of craft serving the divine. Fine linen in Scripture consistently symbolizes purity and righteousness: the priests wore linen, the temple curtains were linen, and Revelation 19:8 identifies the 'fine linen, bright and clean' as 'the righteous acts of God's holy people.'

Key Bible Verses

1 Chronicles 4:21 The sons of Shelah son of Judah: Er the father of Lecah, Laadah the father of Mareshah and the clans of the linen workers at Beth Ashbea.
Exodus 31:3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.
Exodus 26:1 Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen.
Revelation 19:8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God's holy people.)
Proverbs 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️