Nehemiah 7:46

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The Nethinims {H5411}: the children {H1121} of Ziha {H6727}, the children {H1121} of Hashupha {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
Nehemiah 7:46 is a precise entry within the comprehensive register of those who returned from Babylonian exile to Judah, meticulously identifying three specific families belonging to the Nethinims: Ziha, Hashupha, and Tabbaoth. This verse underscores the post-exilic community's commitment to detailed record-keeping, highlighting the inclusive nature of God's restored people and affirming that every individual, irrespective of their assigned role, was accounted for and deemed essential to the re-establishment of the temple and the nation's spiritual and social fabric.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 7:46 is embedded within a lengthy and detailed census that constitutes the majority of [Nehemiah chapter 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - The Register of Returnees"). This chapter serves as a vital register of the people who returned from Babylonian captivity to Judah, intentionally mirroring an earlier, similar list found in [Ezra chapter 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First Return from Exile"). Following the successful completion of the wall of Jerusalem in [Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - The Wall Completed"), Nehemiah's focus strategically shifts from physical reconstruction to the equally crucial task of re-populating and spiritually organizing the city. The inclusion of diverse groups such as priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, ordinary Israelites, and specifically the Nethinims, demonstrates the comprehensive nature of this demographic and spiritual re-ordering. The meticulous listing emphasizes the paramount importance of lineage and identity in establishing the post-exilic community's continuity, legitimacy, and adherence to covenantal principles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile, initiated by Cyrus's decree in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree and the First Return"), marked a profoundly pivotal moment in Israelite history. After decades of displacement and the destruction of their temple, the returning exiles faced the daunting task of rebuilding their land, their sacred structures, and their societal order. Accurate genealogical records were absolutely paramount in ancient Israel, particularly for establishing land claims, validating priestly lineage, confirming tribal identity, and ensuring the purity of worship. The Nethinims, a distinct class of temple servants, likely originated from non-Israelite captives or those dedicated to temple service, such as the Gibeonites, who were made perpetual servants of the sanctuary in [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites Made Servants of the Sanctuary"). Their continued presence and inclusion in this vital census underscore their indispensable role in the daily operations and maintenance of the Second Temple, which was dedicated in [Ezra 6:16](/ezra/6-16 "Ezra 6:16 - Dedication of the Rebuilt Temple"). This period was characterized by a strong emphasis on covenant renewal, strict adherence to the Law of Moses, and the re-establishment of proper, ordered worship, all of which necessitated a well-structured and meticulously identified community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as an integral part of the larger register, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic literature. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Divine Order and Restoration**, demonstrating God's meticulous and providential care in re-establishing His people and their societal structures after the profound disruption of exile. Every family, even those in seemingly humble or auxiliary roles like the Nethinims, was accounted for, signifying God's purposeful and detailed design for His covenant community. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Inclusion and Intrinsic Value of All Servants**, underscoring the theological truth that every member, regardless of their specific function or social standing, is vital to the effective functioning of God's house and the fulfillment of His purposes. The Nethinims, performing essential but often unseen tasks, are given equal prominence in this list, illustrating that all faithful service is honored and valued by God. Finally, the detailed enumeration reinforces **Historical Accuracy and Continuity**, affirming the identity and lineage of the returning exiles, thereby ensuring a tangible link to their past covenant heritage and providing a foundational blueprint for future generations of God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nethinims (Hebrew, _Nâthîyn'_):** Derived from the Hebrew root _nathan_ (נָתַן), meaning "to give" or "to place," _Nâthîyn_ literally translates to "one given" or "the dedicated ones." In the plural, as used here, it refers to a specific class of temple servants who were not of Levitical or priestly lineage but were consecrated to perform the more menial and laborious tasks associated with the sanctuary. These duties included drawing water, hewing wood, and general maintenance, thereby enabling the priests and Levites to focus on their sacred ritual and teaching responsibilities. Their origin is often traced to the Gibeonites, who were made perpetual servants of the sanctuary ([Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites Made Servants")). Their inclusion in this post-exilic register signifies their ongoing and crucial role in the re-establishment and daily operation of the Second Temple, underscoring their indispensable contribution to the worship life of the restored community.
* **children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** The Hebrew term _bên_ (בֵּן), meaning "son" or "child," is used here in its plural form to denote "sons of" or "children of," signifying descendants or members of a particular family or clan. Its repeated use ("the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth") emphasizes the genealogical nature of the list, meticulously tracing individuals through their paternal lineage. This highlights the profound importance of family identity and continuity within the Israelite community, especially after the profound disruption of the Babylonian exile. By establishing their rightful place and heritage within the restored nation, this term reinforces the meticulous nature of the census and the community's desire for order and legitimacy.
* **Hashupha (Hebrew, _Chăsûwphâʼ'_):** This proper name, meaning "nakedness" (from the root _chasaph_, "to strip, lay bare"), identifies one of the Nethinim families returning from exile. While the etymology might suggest a past condition or origin, in this context, it primarily serves as a distinct identifier for a specific lineage within the Nethinim class. Its inclusion, alongside Ziha and Tabbaoth, underscores the meticulous detail of the census, which sought to account for every family unit contributing to the re-establishment of Jerusalem and the temple service, regardless of their historical background or the meaning of their names.
* **Tabbaoth (Hebrew, _Ṭabbâʻôwth'_):** This proper name, meaning "rings" (plural of _tabba'at_, "ring"), identifies another specific family of Nethinims. Like Hashupha and Ziha, its primary function in this verse is to denote a distinct lineage that returned from exile and resumed its service to the temple. The name itself, "rings," might metaphorically suggest connection, continuity, or perhaps even a trade or characteristic associated with the family's origin, though its precise significance beyond identification is not explicitly stated. Its inclusion further exemplifies the comprehensive and detailed nature of the census, ensuring that all contributing families, even those in auxiliary roles, were properly recorded and recognized.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Nethinims:"** This introductory phrase immediately identifies the specific category of temple servants whose families are about to be listed. It sets the context for understanding the role and status of the individuals named, distinguishing them from priests, Levites, or other Israelite families, and signaling the meticulous organization of the returning community.
* **"the children of Ziha,"** This clause introduces the first family or clan of Nethinims specifically accounted for in this verse. "Ziha" (צִיחָא, _Tsîychâʼ_) is a proper name, likely representing the progenitor or head of this particular Nethinim family. Its inclusion signifies that this family unit, despite its non-Israelite origin and servant status, was recognized, registered, and held a legitimate, albeit distinct, place within the returning community.
* **"the children of Hashupha,"** This clause presents the second Nethinim family enumerated. "Hashupha" (חֲשֻׁפָא, _Chăsûwphâʼ_) is another proper name, indicating a distinct family line within the Nethinim class. The repetition of the phrase "the children of" reinforces the genealogical structure of the census and highlights the meticulous nature of the record-keeping, ensuring that each family's identity was clearly established.
* **"the children of Tabbaoth,"** The final clause in this verse lists the third Nethinim family. "Tabbaoth" (טַבָּאוֹת, _Ṭabbâʻôwth_) completes the enumeration of these specific Nethinim families. The listing of these three names, out of many Nethinim families (as seen in other verses within the chapter), suggests they were either prominent representatives or simply part of the comprehensive accounting, underscoring the thoroughness of the register and the integral role these families played in the restored community.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 7:46 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Repetition** as its key literary devices, characteristic of genealogical and census lists. The verse is an isolated entry within a larger, extensive list that systematically enumerates the returning exiles, demonstrating a meticulous and comprehensive accounting of the community members. Within this specific verse, the prominent **Repetition** of the phrase "the children of" (Hebrew: _b'nei_) before each family name ("the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth") serves to reinforce the genealogical structure and emphasizes the familial units being registered. This repetitive pattern creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like quality, underscoring the importance of lineage and the thoroughness of the census. While not a direct **Symbolism** in the traditional sense, the very act of listing these names, even those of temple servants, implicitly symbolizes the divine order being re-established and the inclusive nature of God's restored people, where every part, no matter how seemingly humble, is seen, valued, and essential to the whole.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 7:46, by meticulously listing families of Nethinims, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His people and the intrinsic value He places on every member within His community. It underscores the theological principle that all service rendered to God, regardless of its perceived prominence or humility, is essential and honored in His sight. Just as the Nethinims performed the necessary, often unseen, tasks that enabled the temple worship to function properly, so too does God orchestrate His kingdom through diverse gifts and roles, ensuring that the entire body works in harmony for His glory. This detailed record is a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to restoring order and purpose to His covenant people, demonstrating that His plan of redemption encompasses and values every individual, affirming their place and contribution within His divine design.

* [Ezra 2:58](/ezra/2-58 "Ezra 2:58 - Nethinims in the First Return")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")
* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4-8 "Romans 12:4-8 - Gifts for Service in the Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 7:46, though seemingly a simple list of names, carries profound implications for our understanding of community, service, and divine order in the contemporary church. It challenges us to look beyond superficial roles, social hierarchies, or perceived prominence, and instead recognize the inherent dignity and indispensable value of every individual within God's family. In a world often driven by status, recognition, and outward achievement, this verse powerfully reminds us that true significance and spiritual impact often lie in faithful, humble service, no matter how unseen or unheralded by human eyes. It encourages us to cultivate an attitude of deep appreciation and active affirmation for those who serve in "behind-the-scenes" capacities within our own congregations and ministries, understanding that their contributions are just as vital to the overall health, functioning, and spiritual vitality of the body of Christ. Furthermore, this passage offers profound reassurance that God meticulously sees and profoundly values our faithfulness in every sphere of life and service, inviting us to serve Him wholeheartedly, with diligence and joy, in whatever capacity He has placed us, trusting implicitly in His meticulous and perfect plan for our lives and His church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of the Nethinims in this detailed census challenge our modern perceptions of "important" versus "unimportant" roles within a community or church context?**
* **In what tangible ways can we better recognize, affirm, and support those who serve in "behind-the-scenes" capacities within our own churches, workplaces, or families?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's meticulous care, attention to detail, and inclusive love in His overarching plans for His people, both then and now?**

### FAQ
**What exactly were the Nethinims, and why are they listed in Nehemiah?**

Answer: The Nethinims were a distinct class of temple servants in ancient Israel, whose name literally means "the given ones" or "dedicated ones." They were primarily responsible for performing the more laborious and often menial tasks associated with the temple, such as drawing water, cutting wood, and general maintenance. This allowed the priests and Levites to focus on their specific ritual, teaching, and administrative duties. Their origin is often traced back to the Gibeonites, who were made perpetual servants of the sanctuary in [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites Made Servants"), and later supplemented by foreign captives of war dedicated to temple service. They are listed in Nehemiah 7, as well as in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First Return from Exile") and [Ezra 8:20](/ezra/8-20 "Ezra 8:20 - Nethinims with Ezra"), because they were an indispensable and recognized part of the post-exilic community that returned from Babylon. Their inclusion in this detailed register underscores their vital role in the re-establishment of temple worship and the overall functioning of the restored nation, highlighting that every part of the community, regardless of social standing or origin, was essential to God's meticulous plan for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous accounting of the Nethinims in Nehemiah 7:46, highlighting the intrinsic value of every servant in God's house, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant community. Just as the Nethinims were "given ones" (from the Hebrew _nathan_, "to give") dedicated to the service of the earthly temple, Christ himself is the ultimate "Given One," the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), supremely given by the Father for the redemption of humanity ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). In the New Testament, the church is described as the new, spiritual temple, built of living stones ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, a Spiritual House")), where every believer, regardless of their background, social status, or perceived prominence, is a "given one" to Christ, equipped by the Holy Spirit for diverse service within His body ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Edification")). The inclusion of the Nethinims, often non-Israelite in origin, powerfully foreshadows the radical inclusivity of the gospel, where in Christ "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). Through Christ, the meticulous order and intrinsic value of every member, once seen in the Old Covenant temple system, are perfectly realized in the diverse yet unified body of Christ, where every gift, every act of service, and every individual, no matter how humble or unseen, contributes indispensably to the building up of the church and the ultimate glory of God ([1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You Are the Body of 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.

Leviticus 27:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons [shall be] for the LORD by thy estimation.

Leviticus 27:8

But if he be poorer than thy estimation, then he shall present himself before the priest, and the priest shall value him; according to his ability that vowed shall the priest value him.

Ezra 2:43

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

Joshua 9:23

Now therefore ye [are] cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God.

Joshua 9:27

And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose.