ABIASAPH

a-bi'-a-saf, ab-i-a'-saf ('abhi-'acaph, "my father has gathered"): A descendant of Kohath the son of Levi (Exodus 6:24; 1 Chronicles 6:23,37 (8,22); 9:19). In Chronicles the name is 'ebh-yacaph, which seems to be a mere variant spelling. The Samaritan version has the same form in Exodus. The list in Exodus terminates with Abiasaph, who is to be regarded as the contemporary of Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron. The two lists in 1 Chronicles 6 lead up to the prophet Samuel and the singing companies which David is said to have organized. The list in 1 Chronicles 9 leads up to the Korahite porters of the time of Nehemiah. Apparently all the lists intentionally omit names, just names enough being given in each to indicate the line.

Willis J. Beecher

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.