Ezra 2:43

KJV

The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

KJV (with Strong's)

The Nethinims {H5411}: the children {H1121} of Ziha {H6727}, the children {H1121} of Hasupha {H2817}, the children {H1121} of Tabbaoth {H2884},

Complete Jewish Bible

The temple servants: descendants of Tzicha, descendants of Hasufa, descendants of Taba'ot,

Berean Standard Bible

The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth,

American Standard Version

The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:43 meticulously lists specific families of the Nethinims—the children of Ziha, Hasupha, and Tabbaoth—who were part of the initial wave of Jewish exiles returning to Judah from Babylonian captivity. This verse, embedded within a comprehensive census of the post-exilic community, highlights the divine faithfulness in orchestrating Israel's restoration and underscores the importance of every individual and group, even those in seemingly humble roles, to the re-establishment of temple worship and communal life in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2:43 is situated within a detailed genealogical and numerical register of those who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This chapter serves as a crucial bridge between King Cyrus's decree allowing the return (Ezra 1) and the subsequent rebuilding efforts, particularly the reconstruction of the temple (Ezra 3). The chapter meticulously accounts for various groups: priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and finally, the Nethinims. The progression of the list, from those with high ritualistic roles to those performing more manual or supportive tasks, demonstrates a comprehensive accounting of all necessary personnel for the re-establishment of both religious and civic life in Jerusalem. The inclusion of specific family names, like those of Ziha, Hasupha, and Tabbaoth, emphasizes the meticulous nature of this record, validating the identity and legitimacy of the returning community members.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return described in Ezra 2 occurred in the first year of Cyrus, King of Persia, around 538 BC, following the seventy-year Babylonian exile prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return")). For the returning exiles, re-establishing their identity, lineage, and roles was paramount in a society where tribal and family affiliations were foundational to land ownership, temple service, and social standing. The Nethinims, whose name means "the given ones," were a unique class of temple servants. Their origin is often traced back to the Gibeonites, who were condemned to be "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the sanctuary after deceiving Joshua (cf. [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - The Gibeonites Become Temple Servants")). Over time, others were added to their ranks. Their inclusion in this census underscores their recognized and essential role in the daily operations of the temple, performing tasks that supported the priests and Levites, such as cleaning, carrying, and preparing sacrifices, thereby allowing the more ritually pure groups to focus on their specific duties.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in Ezra 2, including the Nethinims, contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Restoration and Divine Faithfulness**. The very act of returning, and the detailed record of those who returned, is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, bringing His people back to their land after decades of exile and enabling the resumption of temple worship. Secondly, the chapter highlights **Order and Organization**. The precise enumeration of families and their numbers reflects a divinely ordered and humanly organized return, essential for rebuilding a cohesive community and a functional temple. Every group, from priests to Nethinims, had a designated place and function. Lastly, the inclusion of the Nethinims emphasizes the **Inclusivity of Service**. Despite their often-humble tasks and non-Israelite origins (for many), the Nethinims were indispensable to the temple's operations. Their presence in this sacred registry signifies that all who are dedicated to God's service, regardless of their specific role or social standing, are valued and necessary for the spiritual health and functioning of the community of faith, echoing principles found in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - The Body of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nethinims (Hebrew, _nethinim'_):** This term, appearing here as "The Nethinims," derives from the Hebrew verb `nathan` (נָתַן), meaning "to give" or "to dedicate." Thus, `nethinim` literally means "the given ones" or "the dedicated ones." It refers to a specific class of temple servants who were "given" or "dedicated" to the service of the sanctuary. Their duties were generally manual and supportive, assisting the priests and Levites in the maintenance and operations of the temple. Their inclusion in this list confirms their recognized and vital role in the post-exilic community's religious life.
* **Children of (Hebrew, _b'nei_):** The recurring phrase "the children of" (בְּנֵי, `b'nei`) preceding each family name emphasizes the lineage and familial units that comprised the returning exiles. This highlights the importance of family identity and continuity in ancient Israelite society, particularly for establishing claims to land, tribal inheritance, and hereditary roles within the temple service. It also underscores the meticulous nature of the census, recording not just individuals but established family lines.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Nethinims:"**: This introductory phrase identifies the specific category of temple servants being listed. It sets the stage for the enumeration of distinct family groups within this class, emphasizing their collective identity and their dedicated role in the sacred service of the temple.
* **"the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,"**: This clause provides the names of three distinct family heads or progenitors belonging to the Nethinims who returned. The repetition of "the children of" underscores the importance of lineage and family units in the census. Ziha, Hasupha, and Tabbaoth represent specific, identifiable families, indicating the meticulous record-keeping of the returnees and affirming their legitimate place within the restored community. This specificity validates their participation in the rebuilding efforts and their continued role in temple service.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 2:43 primarily employs **Census/Genealogy** as its overarching literary device, characteristic of the entire chapter. This detailed enumeration serves to establish the legitimacy and identity of the returning exiles, emphasizing their continuity with the pre-exilic community and their right to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. Within this, **Repetition** is evident in the recurring phrase "the children of," which reinforces the familial structure of the return and the meticulous nature of the record-keeping. The inclusion of specific, otherwise obscure, family names like Ziha, Hasupha, and Tabbaoth also highlights **Specificity**, lending historical veracity and a sense of divine attention to every individual, even those in less prominent roles, who contributed to the restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:43, by meticulously listing the Nethinims, underscores a profound theological truth: every role in God's kingdom, no matter how seemingly humble or behind-the-scenes, is recognized, valued, and essential for the flourishing of His purposes. Just as the temple could not function without the Nethinims performing their supportive tasks, so too the body of Christ requires every member to faithfully exercise their gifts and callings. God's meticulous record-keeping here reflects His intimate knowledge and care for all His people, ensuring that even those whose primary contribution was manual labor were not overlooked in the grand narrative of His redemptive plan. This truth encourages believers to serve faithfully in whatever capacity they are called, knowing their service is seen and honored by God.

* [Numbers 3:6-9](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6-9 - Levites given to Aaron")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")
* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-8 - Gifts for Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed listing of the Nethinims in Ezra 2:43 offers a powerful reminder that God's work is accomplished through the faithful service of all His people, regardless of their perceived status or the nature of their tasks. In a world that often values prominence and visible leadership, this verse quietly elevates the significance of those who serve in supportive, often unnoticed, capacities. It challenges us to recognize and affirm the vital contributions of every member within the church community, from the worship leader to the cleaner, from the pastor to the volunteer who sets up chairs. Our faithfulness in seemingly small or mundane tasks is just as crucial to the overall health and effectiveness of God's kingdom as the more public ministries. This passage encourages us to embrace our unique calling with humility and dedication, knowing that God sees and values every act of service performed for His glory, meticulously remembering each one, just as He remembered the children of Ziha, Hasupha, and Tabbaoth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What roles or tasks do I tend to view as "insignificant" within my church or community, and how might Ezra 2:43 challenge that perspective?**
* **How can I better recognize and affirm the contributions of those who serve in supportive or less visible roles around me?**
* **In what ways am I being called to serve faithfully in a "Nethinim-like" capacity, and what might hinder my willingness to do so?**
* **How does God's meticulous record-keeping of these families encourage me in my own service, knowing that He sees and values every act?**

### FAQ

**Who were the Nethinims, and what was their role in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The Nethinims (Hebrew: `nethinim`, meaning "the given ones" or "the dedicated ones") were a class of temple servants in ancient Israel. Their primary role was to assist the Levites and priests in the daily operations and maintenance of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their duties were generally manual and supportive, including tasks such as fetching water, cutting wood, cleaning the temple grounds, and other forms of labor that facilitated the sacred services. While some Nethinims may have been Israelites, their origin is often traced back to non-Israelite groups, notably the Gibeonites, who were made servants of the sanctuary in [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - The Gibeonites Dedicated to Service"). Over time, others were added to their ranks. They were considered essential for the smooth functioning of temple worship, allowing the priests and Levites to focus on their specific ritualistic and teaching responsibilities.

**Why are specific family names like Ziha, Hasupha, and Tabbaoth listed in Ezra 2:43?**

Answer: The listing of specific family names like Ziha, Hasupha, and Tabbaoth in Ezra 2:43 serves several important purposes. Firstly, it underscores the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the census recorded in Ezra 2. This level of detail validates the identity and legitimacy of the returning exiles, which was crucial for re-establishing land claims, tribal inheritances, and hereditary roles, especially for temple service. Secondly, it highlights God's intimate knowledge and care for every individual and family involved in His redemptive plan. Even those in less prominent roles, like the Nethinims, were not overlooked but were specifically accounted for. This meticulous record-keeping provides historical accuracy and demonstrates the divine orchestration of the return, emphasizing that every person had a recognized place and contribution to the restoration of the community and the temple in Jerusalem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous record of the Nethinims, "the given ones," in Ezra 2:43, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the nature of His church. Just as the Nethinims were "given" to serve the earthly temple, believers in Christ are "given" to Him by the Father (cf. [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All the Father Gives Me")). More profoundly, Christ Himself is the ultimate "given one," the Lamb of God given for the sins of the world (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") and [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His sacrifice establishes the new covenant, making possible a new temple—not of stone, but of living stones, the body of believers (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). In this new spiritual temple, every believer, regardless of their earthly status or perceived importance, is a vital member, gifted by the Holy Spirit for service (cf. [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Gifts of the Spirit")). The Nethinims' dedication to the physical temple foreshadows the dedication of all believers to Christ, the true Temple, and to His mission in the world. Their inclusion in the sacred registry reminds us that in Christ, there are no insignificant roles; every act of faithful service, whether public or hidden, contributes to the building up of His body and is meticulously valued by God (cf. [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Serve the Lord Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 9:2

Now the first inhabitants that [dwelt] in their possessions in their cities [were], the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.

Ezra 2:58

All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, [were] three hundred ninety and two.

Nehemiah 10:28

And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;

Nehemiah 7:46

The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

Nehemiah 7:56

The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.