perhaps from כֶּסֶף; silvery; Casiphja, a place in Babylon; Casiphia.
Transliteration:Kâçiphyâʼ
Pronunciation:kaw-sif-yaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H3703, כָּסִפְיָא (Kâçiphyâʼ), is a proper noun identifying a specific place. Its base definition suggests a derivation "perhaps from כֶּסֶף" (kesef, `{{H3701}}`), meaning "silver" or "money." This etymological link implies that the name "Casiphia" might have conveyed a sense of "silvery" or "lustrous," possibly referring to the appearance of the location, its valuable resources, or perhaps its esteemed status. As a geographical designation, its primary function is to denote a particular settlement in Babylon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H3703 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Ezra:
* [[Ezra 8:17]]: "and I sent them forth to Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I put in their mouth what they should say to Iddo, and to his brothers the Nethinim at the place Casiphia, that they should bring us ministers for the house of our God."
In this singular occurrence, Casiphia is presented as a known location in Babylon where a significant number of Levites and Nethinim (temple servants) resided during the period of the Babylonian exile. Ezra, preparing to lead a group of exiles back to Jerusalem, recognized the critical need for these specific individuals to re-establish proper temple worship. His decision to send a delegation directly to Casiphia indicates that it was a recognized center for these priestly and service families. The passage underscores Casiphia's importance as a repository of those dedicated to the service of God, even in a foreign land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H3703 naturally connects to several other significant biblical terms and concepts:
* **כֶּסֶף (kesef, `{{H3701}}`):** The root word for "silver," from which Casiphia is thought to derive its name. This connection might subtly allude to the preciousness or value of the community residing there.
* **לֵוִי (Levi, `{{H3878}}`):** The Levites, the priestly tribe, who were sought from Casiphia. Their presence there highlights the preservation of the sacred lineage even in exile.
* **נְתִינִים (Nethinim, `{{H5411}}`):** Temple servants, distinct from the Levites, who were also found at Casiphia. Their role was crucial for the practical functioning of the temple.
* **Babylonian Exile:** The historical context in which Casiphia is mentioned. It represents a place where the exiled community, particularly those with specific religious functions, had settled.
* **Return from Exile:** Casiphia plays a pivotal role in the narrative of the return, as it provides the necessary personnel for the restoration of worship in Jerusalem.
* **Divine Providence:** The existence of such a community in a foreign land speaks to God's overarching care for His people and the continuity of His covenant.
### Theological Significance
The single mention of Casiphia, though brief, carries profound theological weight within the narrative of the post-exilic return:
* **Divine Preservation of the Remnant:** Casiphia serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people, specifically those dedicated to temple service, even in the midst of a foreign land and the challenges of exile. It demonstrates that God's plans for the restoration of worship were not thwarted, as He had already prepared the necessary personnel.
* **God's Provision for His Work:** Ezra's mission to Casiphia illustrates God's active provision for the needs of His house. The Levites and Nethinim were not simply random individuals; they were essential for the proper functioning of the restored temple. Their presence in Casiphia underscores God's foresight and meticulous care in gathering His instruments for His purposes.
* **Continuity of Worship:** The successful retrieval of these individuals from Casiphia ensured the continuity of the Levitical service and temple worship, which was central to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God. It highlights the enduring importance of sacred service in God's economy.
* **The "Silvery" Allusion (Speculative):** If the name "Casiphia" truly means "silvery," it could metaphorically suggest the purity, value, or even the divine luster of the community residing there—a precious remnant, refined through the fires of exile, ready to shine in the service of God.
### Summary
H3703, Kâçiphyâʼ, denotes "Casiphia," a specific location in Babylon, likely deriving its name from the Hebrew word for "silver" (`{{H3701}}`). It appears exclusively in [[Ezra 8:17]], where it is identified as a significant settlement during the Babylonian exile. Ezra sent a delegation to Casiphia to gather Levites and Nethinim, who were essential for the restoration of temple worship in Jerusalem. Theologically, Casiphia underscores God's providential preservation of His chosen remnant, His meticulous provision for the needs of His house, and the crucial continuity of sacred service, even amidst the challenges of exile. It stands as a silent witness to God's faithfulness in preparing His people for the fulfillment of His redemptive plans.
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