### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Kâçiphyâʼ**, represented by `{{H3703}}`, is the name of a place in Babylon, Casiphia. Its name possibly means "silvery." It appears **2 times** across **1 unique verses**, indicating its significance is tied to a single, specific event recorded in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole context for `{{H3703}}` is in the account of Ezra's mission to gather personnel for the house of God. In [[Ezra 8:17]], Ezra sends a delegation to "the place Casiphia" to speak with Iddo, who is identified as "the chief" at that location. The purpose of this mission was to find and bring back "ministers for the house of our God" from among the Nethinims who resided there, highlighting Casiphia as a key source for Temple servants during the return from exile.
### Related Words & Concepts
The narrative surrounding Casiphia is framed by several key Hebrew words:
* `{{H7218}}` **rôʼsh** (chief): This term, meaning "the head" or "chief," establishes that there was organized leadership in Casiphia. The mission was directed specifically to Iddo, "the **chief** at the place Casiphia" [[Ezra 8:17]], showing a recognized structure among the exiles.
* `{{H5411}}` **Nâthîyn** (Nethinims): This word identifies the Temple-servants who were sought. The **Nethinims** were "given" to the service of the Temple, and a community of them was located at Casiphia [[Ezra 8:17]]. They are consistently listed among those who returned to Jerusalem to serve God [[Nehemiah 10:28]].
* `{{H8334}}` **shârath** (ministers): This root defines the purpose of the mission to Casiphia, which was to bring people "to attend as a...worshipper" or to **minister**. The goal was to find **ministers** for God's house [[Ezra 8:17]], a role also assigned to the priests and Levites [[Joel 2:17]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H3703}}` is rooted in its role within the story of Israel's restoration.
* **A Source for Service:** Casiphia is presented as a crucial location where dedicated servants of God could be found. Ezra was commanded `{{H6680}}` to go there specifically to find the Nethinims needed for Temple worship [[Ezra 8:17]].
* **Organized Community in Exile:** The existence of a community with a recognized **chief** `{{H7218}}` like Iddo at Casiphia suggests that faith and religious structure were maintained even in Babylon, far from the Temple in Jerusalem.
* **Fulfillment of Divine Purpose:** The mission to Casiphia was a necessary step in re-establishing proper worship according to God's law. The act of bringing `{{H935}}` ministers `{{H8334}}` from this place was integral to restoring the function of "the house of our God" [[Ezra 8:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3703}}` is more than just a place name on a map. Casiphia represents a specific site of providential supply in the biblical narrative. Though mentioned only in a single verse, its role is pivotal as the place from which Ezra sourced the essential ministers needed for the restored Temple, demonstrating that God had preserved faithful communities even in exile to accomplish His purposes.
TRV