the same as חָגָב; locust; Chagab, one of the Nethinim; Hagab.
Transliteration:Châgâb
Pronunciation:khaw-gawb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma חָגָב (Châgâb), Strong's `{{H2285}}`, functions exclusively as a proper noun in the Hebrew Bible, specifically a personal name. Its meaning is directly derived from the common noun חָגָב (Châgâb), Strong's `{{H2284}}`, which signifies a "locust" or "grasshopper." Therefore, the name "Chagab" or "Hagab" carries the inherent semantic association of this insect. While the proper noun refers to an individual and not the creature itself, the etymological link suggests a potential background meaning for the name, possibly alluding to characteristics such as smallness, humility, or perhaps even a multitude, depending on cultural associations with locusts at the time. In its biblical context, however, it simply identifies a person or an ancestral line.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun חָגָב (Châgâb), `{{H2285}}`, appears twice in the Hebrew Scriptures, both instances occurring within genealogical lists of those who returned to Judah from Babylonian exile.
* [[Ezra 2:45]]: "The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam..." Here, "Hagab" is identified as an ancestor or head of a family group among the Nethinim. The Nethinim were temple servants, often of non-Israelite origin, dedicated to assisting the Levites and priests in the maintenance and service of the sanctuary.
* [[Nehemiah 7:48]]: This verse provides a parallel account to Ezra 2:45, listing "The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan..." in the enumeration of the Nethinim. The repetition in these two significant post-exilic records underscores the historical reality of this individual and their family's participation in the rebuilding and re-establishment of the community and its worship life in Jerusalem. The consistent identification within the Nethinim lists firmly places "Hagab" within the context of dedicated, albeit often humble, service to God's house.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is חָגָב (Châgâb), `{{H2284}}`, the common noun for "locust." This term frequently appears in the Old Testament, often symbolizing:
* **Smallness or insignificance:** As seen in [[Numbers 13:33]] where the Israelites compare themselves to "grasshoppers" in the eyes of the giants, or [[Isaiah 40:22]] where humanity is described as "grasshoppers" before God.
* **Multitude and destructive power:** Locust swarms are depicted as a formidable force, often a divine judgment, as in the plague in [[Exodus 10:4-19]] or the imagery in [[Joel 1:4-7]].
While the proper noun `{{H2285}}` does not directly convey these meanings, the etymological connection provides a potential layer of interpretative depth to the name itself.
The concept of the **Nethinim** is also crucial. These "given ones" (from the root נתן, nathan, `{{H5414}}`, "to give") represent a class of temple servants distinct from the Levites. Their inclusion in the post-exilic community lists highlights the diverse nature of those committed to the restoration of Israel's spiritual life and the importance of all who served in the sanctuary, regardless of their origin or perceived status.
### Theological Significance
While חָגָב (Châgâb) `{{H2285}}` is a proper noun and does not directly articulate theological doctrine, its presence in the biblical record carries subtle yet profound theological implications.
1. **Divine Inclusivity:** The meticulous recording of "the children of Hagab" among the Nethinim underscores God's comprehensive care for all segments of His people, including those in roles of humble service. It demonstrates that God's plan for restoration encompassed not only priests and Levites but also those who performed essential, though less prominent, tasks in the temple.
2. **Value of Humble Service:** If the name "Hagab" indeed alludes to "locust" and its connotations of smallness or humility, it could subtly reflect the biblical theme that God often uses the seemingly insignificant to accomplish His great purposes. This aligns with the value placed on humble, dedicated service within the covenant community.
3. **Corporate Identity and Restoration:** The inclusion of "Hagab" in the lists of returnees emphasizes the corporate nature of Israel's identity and the communal effort involved in the post-exilic restoration. Every family, even those of the Nethinim, played a vital role in rebuilding the nation and its worship.
4. **God's Remembering:** The very act of preserving these names in sacred scripture testifies to God's remembrance of those who served Him, affirming that no act of faithfulness, no matter how small, goes unnoticed in His divine economy.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חָגָב (Châgâb), Strong's `{{H2285}}`, functions as a proper noun, identifying a person whose descendants were among the Nethinim, a class of temple servants. This name appears in [[Ezra 2:45]] and [[Nehemiah 7:48]], denoting an ancestral line that returned from Babylonian exile to participate in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Etymologically, the name is identical to חָגָב (Châgâb), `{{H2284}}`, meaning "locust," potentially suggesting connotations of humility or multitude. Theologically, the inclusion of "the children of Hagab" in these vital post-exilic records highlights God's inclusive nature, valuing all who contribute to His purposes, particularly those in roles of dedicated, humble service within the covenant community. It underscores the divine recognition of every individual's part in the grand narrative of restoration.
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