or חֲגָבָה; feminine of חָגָב; locust; Chagaba or Chagabah, one of the Nethinim; Hagaba, Hagabah.
Transliteration:Chăgâbâʼ
Pronunciation:khag-aw-baw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H2286, transliterated as *Chăgâbâʼ* (or *Chăgâbâh*), is primarily understood in two distinct, though related, semantic ranges. Its fundamental meaning is derived from the root H2284 (חָגָב, *chagav*), which signifies a "locust" or "grasshopper." As H2286 is noted as the feminine form of H2284, it inherently carries the sense of this insect. In its most literal sense, therefore, H2286 refers to a specific type of locust or perhaps a female locust. However, in its actual biblical occurrences, H2286 functions exclusively as a proper noun, designating a male individual named Hagaba (or Chagaba). This individual is identified as one of the Nethinim, a class of temple servants. Thus, while the base definition points to an insect, the contextual usage in Scripture directs us to a personal name, likely reflecting a characteristic or a family lineage associated with the insect (perhaps smallness, numerousness, or a past event).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H2286 appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both instances referring to the proper noun "Hagaba."
1. **[[Ezra 2:45]]**: "The children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan." This verse lists the descendants of Hagaba among the Nethinim who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. The Nethinim (H5411) were a distinct group of temple servants, often considered non-Israelite in origin, who were dedicated to menial tasks in the sanctuary, such as drawing water and cutting wood. Their inclusion in the census of those returning from exile underscores their vital role in the re-establishment of temple worship in Jerusalem.
2. **[[Nehemiah 7:48]]**: "The children of Hagaba, the children of Salmai, the children of Hanan." This verse is a parallel passage to [[Ezra 2:45]], appearing in Nehemiah's recounting of the same post-exilic census. The repetition confirms the identity and lineage of Hagaba as one of the ancestral heads of the Nethinim families.
In both contexts, Hagaba is not a significant figure in terms of narrative action, but his inclusion in these meticulous lists is indicative of the importance placed on lineage and administrative order during the reconstruction of the Judean community. The listing of the "children of Hagaba" signifies a family unit that contributed to the essential, albeit humble, service of the rebuilt Temple.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is H2284 (חָגָב, *chagav*), from which H2286 is explicitly stated to be derived. H2284 is the more common term for "locust" or "grasshopper" in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in contexts describing plagues ([[Exodus 10:4]]), dietary laws ([[Leviticus 11:22]]), and metaphors for vast numbers or insignificance ([[Numbers 13:33]], [[Isaiah 40:22]]). While H2286 itself does not denote the insect in its biblical occurrences, its etymological link to H2284 means that the imagery and broader theological implications of the "locust" are subtly present in the background of the name.
Other related concepts include:
* **The Nethinim (H5411)**: This class of temple servants, to which Hagaba's descendants belonged, represents a unique aspect of Israelite worship. Their presence highlights the diversity of those dedicated to God's service.
* **Lists and Genealogies**: The contexts in Ezra and Nehemiah are extensive lists of those who returned from exile. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the importance of identity, heritage, and the divine ordering of the community.
* **Temple Service**: The role of the Nethinim, including Hagaba's family, was to support the Levitical priesthood in the daily operations of the Temple, emphasizing the collective effort required for worship.
### Theological Significance
Though H2286 primarily functions as a proper noun for a relatively obscure figure, its theological significance can be discerned through its context and etymology.
Firstly, the inclusion of Hagaba among the Nethinim underscores God's meticulous care for all who serve Him, regardless of their perceived status or origin. The Nethinim, often seen as foreign or of lesser standing, were nevertheless essential to temple operations. Their listing alongside priests and Levites in the post-exilic community demonstrates that God values every form of dedicated service in His house. It speaks to the divine principle that no role in God's kingdom is too humble to be recorded and honored. This resonates with the New Testament teaching that all members of the body of Christ, though diverse, are indispensable ([[1 Corinthians 12:12-27]]).
Secondly, the name's underlying meaning, "locust," offers a subtle layer of interpretation. While speculative, the name might have reflected a family characteristic (e.g., small stature, numerous progeny, or perhaps even a humble origin). More broadly, the biblical imagery of the locust often speaks of overwhelming numbers, destructive power, or, conversely, insignificance in comparison to God's might ([[Isaiah 40:22]]). If the name was indeed related to such imagery, it could subtly point to the humble, perhaps numerous, and often overlooked service of the Nethinim, whose collective efforts were vital for the functioning of the Temple. It may also serve as a reminder that God can use even the seemingly "insignificant" to accomplish His grand purposes.
### Summary
H2286 (*Chăgâbâʼ*) is a Hebrew term with a dual semantic range: literally, a "locust" (as the feminine form of H2284), but biblically, it functions exclusively as the proper noun "Hagaba." This individual is identified in [[Ezra 2:45]] and [[Nehemiah 7:48]] as an ancestral head of one of the Nethinim families, who were dedicated temple servants returning from the Babylonian exile. The study of H2286 highlights the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping, the diverse composition of God's people, and the theological principle that all forms of service, even the most humble, are valued and remembered by God. While the name itself points to the insect, its primary significance in Scripture lies in its identification of a family unit crucial to the re-establishment of worship in post-exilic Jerusalem.
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