Nehemiah 7:60

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

All the Nethinims {H5411}, and the children {H1121} of Solomon's {H8010} servants {H5650}, were three {H7969} hundred {H3967} ninety {H8673} and two {H8147}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"All the temple servants and the descendants of Shlomo's servants numbered 392

Berean Standard Bible

The temple servants and descendants of the servants of Solomon numbered 392 in all.

American Standard Version

All the Nethinim, and the children of Solomon’s servants, were three hundred ninety and two.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 7:60 meticulously records the return of 392 Nethinims and the descendants of Solomon's servants, two distinct groups of temple functionaries, highlighting their essential role in the re-established post-exilic community in Jerusalem. This precise enumeration within the broader census underscores God's providential care in gathering all necessary components for the restoration of His people and the resumption of sacred worship, emphasizing the value of every contributor to His divine purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 7:60 is embedded within a comprehensive register of those who returned from Babylonian exile to Judah, primarily under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This chapter serves as a vital historical document, detailing the families, priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and various temple servants who formed the core of the re-emerging Jewish community in Jerusalem. The list in Nehemiah 7 is almost identical to the one found in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Those Who Returned from Exile"), indicating its significance as an official and authoritative record. Its placement immediately after the completion of the wall in [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - The Completion of the Wall") and before the public reading of the Law in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - The Reading of the Law") signifies the transition from physical rebuilding to the re-establishment of social, religious, and administrative order within the restored city. The meticulous accounting of individuals, including these non-Israelite temple servants, demonstrates the thoroughness required for organizing a functional society centered around the rebuilt temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile was a pivotal moment in Israelite history, marking the end of a seventy-year captivity foretold by prophets like Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Seventy Years of Exile")). The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, issued a decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild their temple ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")). The Nethinims (Hebrew: *Nethinim*, "given ones") were a class of temple servants, likely non-Israelite in origin, who had been "given" or dedicated to the service of the sanctuary, possibly descendants of the Gibeonites ([Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Woodcutters and Water Carriers")) or captives taken in war. Their duties were often the more menial tasks, such as carrying wood and water for sacrifices, and other general upkeep. The "children of Solomon's servants" were descendants of the non-Israelite laborers whom King Solomon had conscripted for his massive building projects, including the first temple ([1-Kings 9:20-21](/1-kings/9-20 "1 Kings 9:20-21 - Solomon's Conscripted Laborers")). Over centuries, these groups became integrated into the temple service, highlighting a long-standing tradition of non-Israelite involvement in sacred duties, underscoring the inclusive nature of the temple's function and the diverse workforce required for its operation.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of Nehemiah 7:60 within the census contributes significantly to several key themes in Nehemiah. Firstly, **Restoration and Re-establishment** is paramount; the detailed list emphasizes that God's plan for His people's return was comprehensive, encompassing not just the main Israelite families but also every necessary role for the proper functioning of the community and the rebuilt temple. The presence of these specific temple servants underscores that all components, no matter how seemingly humble, were vital for the full restoration of worship. Secondly, the theme of **Inclusivity in Service** is powerfully demonstrated. The Nethinims and Solomon's servants were not Israelites by birth, yet they held crucial and enduring positions in the temple's operation. This highlights God's willingness to use diverse people for His purposes, emphasizing that dedication and service are paramount, regardless of lineage or social standing, echoing principles found in the broader biblical narrative of God's universal reach ([Isaiah 56:6-7](/isaiah/56-6 "Isaiah 56:6-7 - Foreigners Joining the Lord")). Lastly, the meticulous record-keeping throughout [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - The Census of Returned Exiles") underscores the importance of **Divine Order and Human Accountability** in the work of God. Knowing precisely who was present and what their role was ensured the smooth operation of the community and its sacred duties, reflecting God's character as a God of order, not chaos ([1-Corinthians 14:33](/1-corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nethinims (Hebrew, _nᵉtînîm_):** This term literally means "given ones" or "dedicated ones." It refers to a specific class of temple servants, primarily non-Israelite in origin, who were "given" or devoted to the service of the tabernacle and later the temple. Their duties were often the more menial and laborious tasks associated with temple upkeep, such as carrying wood and water, which were essential for the daily sacrifices and operations. Their inclusion in the census highlights their long-standing and indispensable role in the sacred service, despite their non-Israelite lineage.
* **Children of Solomon's servants (Hebrew, _bᵉnê ʿabdê šᵉlōmōh_):** This phrase refers to the descendants of non-Israelite laborers whom King Solomon had conscripted for his extensive building projects, including the construction of the first temple in Jerusalem ([1-Kings 9:20-21](/1-kings/9-20 "1 Kings 9:20-21 - Solomon's Conscripted Laborers")). These individuals, though not of the tribes of Israel, were integrated into the workforce supporting the temple. Over generations, their descendants continued to serve in various capacities related to the temple, becoming a distinct group of temple servants alongside the Nethinims. Their presence among the returnees signifies the continuity of this service from the First Temple period into the Second Temple era.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants":** This clause specifically identifies two distinct groups of temple functionaries who were part of the returning exiles. Both groups, though historically of non-Israelite origin, had long been integrated into the support structure of the temple. Their collective listing here underscores their recognized and essential role within the re-established religious community. It signifies that the restoration was comprehensive, including even those who performed the less glamorous but vital tasks.
* **"[were] three hundred ninety and two":** This precise numerical count provides the total number of individuals from these two groups who returned from Babylon. The specificity of the number emphasizes the meticulous nature of the census and the importance placed on every person's return and contribution. It highlights the divine order and human accountability involved in the re-population of Jerusalem and the organization of the community for the resumption of temple worship. This exact figure is also found in the parallel account in [Ezra 2:58](/ezra/2-58 "Ezra 2:58 - The Number of Nethinims and Solomon's Servants").

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Nehemiah 7:60, and indeed throughout much of [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - The Census of Returned Exiles"), is **Enumeration** or **Register**. This device involves the systematic listing of names, groups, and numbers, serving as a detailed historical record. Its purpose is to provide an accurate account of the returning exiles, establishing their identities, lineages, and roles within the re-forming community. The meticulous nature of this enumeration emphasizes the importance of order, accountability, and the comprehensive nature of God's restoration plan. It also subtly employs **Inclusivity**, as it lists these non-Israelite temple servants alongside priests, Levites, and other Israelite families, acknowledging their vital contribution to the sacred work and the overall community structure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 7:60, by meticulously listing the Nethinims and the children of Solomon's servants, provides a powerful theological statement about the nature of God's kingdom and the value of every participant in His work. It underscores that God's plan for restoration is comprehensive, encompassing not only the prominent leaders and tribal families but also those who perform essential, often unseen, service. The inclusion of these historically non-Israelite groups demonstrates God's inclusive heart, showing that dedication and service to His purposes transcend ethnic or social distinctions. It foreshadows the New Testament understanding of the church as a body where every member, regardless of their background or the perceived prominence of their gift, is indispensable and uniquely gifted for the common good. This verse reminds us that all labor done for the Lord, no matter how humble, is seen, valued, and counted in God's divine economy.

* [Ezra 2:58](/ezra/2-58 "Ezra 2:58 - Parallel Account of Nethinims and Solomon's Servants")
* [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
Nehemiah 7:60 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that every individual has a vital role in the grand narrative of God's redemptive work. Just as the Nethinims and Solomon's servants, though not of priestly or Levitical lineage, were essential to the temple's function, so too are all believers vital members of the body of Christ. This verse challenges us to recognize and value all forms of service within the church and community, understanding that even seemingly humble or behind-the-scenes tasks contribute significantly to the greater good and the glory of God. It encourages us to embrace our unique callings, knowing that faithfulness in any capacity is honored by God. Furthermore, it underscores God's faithfulness in gathering and organizing His people for His purposes, ensuring that His work continues through every generation, often through unexpected and diverse individuals. We are called to participate wholeheartedly, valuing every contribution and fostering an environment where all feel seen, valued, and empowered to serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of the Nethinims and Solomon's servants challenge our modern perceptions of "important" vs. "unimportant" roles in ministry and community?**
* **In what ways might we be overlooking or devaluing the "behind-the-scenes" service within our own communities or churches?**
* **What specific, perhaps humble, tasks are you called to contribute to God's work, and how can you perform them with renewed intentionality and joy?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Nethinims and the children of Solomon's servants, and why were they significant?**

Answer: The Nethinims were a class of temple servants, likely non-Israelite in origin, whose name means "given ones" or "dedicated ones." They performed essential, often menial, tasks for the temple, such as carrying wood and water for sacrifices. The children of Solomon's servants were descendants of the non-Israelite laborers whom King Solomon had conscripted for his building projects, including the first temple ([1-Kings 9:20-21](/1-kings/9-20 "1 Kings 9:20-21 - Solomon's Conscripted Laborers")). Both groups, despite not being of Israelite lineage, had long been integrated into the temple's support structure. Their significance lies in their indispensable role in the daily functioning of the temple and their inclusion in the post-exilic census, which highlights God's inclusive plan for His people and the value of all forms of service within His kingdom, regardless of background.

**Why is their specific number (392) mentioned in Nehemiah 7:60, and what does this meticulous counting signify?**

Answer: The precise number of 392 Nethinims and children of Solomon's servants, also recorded in [Ezra 2:58](/ezra/2-58 "Ezra 2:58 - The Census of Returnees"), signifies the meticulous nature of the post-exilic census. This detailed accounting was crucial for several reasons: it established the identity and lineage of the returning exiles, facilitated the organization and allocation of resources for the rebuilding efforts, and ensured the proper re-establishment of temple services. The specificity of the number underscores the importance of order and accountability in God's work. It also emphasizes that every individual, even those in less prominent roles, was valued and essential for the comprehensive restoration of the community and the resumption of worship in Jerusalem. It reflects God's attention to detail and His providential care in gathering every necessary component for His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 7:60, with its meticulous counting of the Nethinims and the children of Solomon's servants, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant community, the Church. Just as these diverse, often overlooked, individuals were essential for the functioning of the physical temple, so too are all believers, regardless of background or perceived status, indispensable members of the spiritual temple, the body of Christ ([1-Corinthians 12:27](/1-corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ")). Jesus Himself, the ultimate "servant," came not to be served but to serve ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), elevating the very concept of humble service. In Christ, the old distinctions of Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, are transcended, as all are "one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ")). The Nethinims, historically "given" to temple service, foreshadow the believer's identity as those "given" by the Father to the Son ([John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All that the Father gives me will come to me")), called to serve Him in His new covenant temple. Every member, gifted by the Holy Spirit ([1-Corinthians 12:4-11](/1-corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Gifts of the Spirit")), contributes to the building up of the body, demonstrating the comprehensive and inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan fully realized in Jesus Christ, who gathers people from every tribe and nation to serve Him eternally ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Great Multitude from Every Nation")).

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

Ezra 2:58

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