Introduction
Asshur is a son of Shem, named in the Table of Nations of Genesis 10:22, one of five sons listed alongside Elam, Asshur, Lud, Aram and Arphaxad (the last being the ancestor of the line continuing to Abraham). Asshur is associated with the land and people of Assyria, whose name is directly derived from his.
This article follows the biblical account in Genesis. Where later Jewish, Christian or Islamic tradition adds detail not found in the text itself, the article identifies it as such.
Family
In the Table of Nations
Genesis 10:22 lists Asshur among the sons of Shem. As with most names in this chapter, the biblical text gives no independent narrative for Asshur directly, and identification with specific historical peoples or regions relies on comparison with later biblical references and other ancient Near Eastern sources.