or לְבָנָה; the same as לְבָנָה; Lebana or Lebanah, one of the Nethinim; Lebana, Lebanah.
Transliteration:Lᵉbânâʼ
Pronunciation:leb-aw-naw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma לְבָנָא (Lᵉbânâʼ), Strong's number `{{H3838}}`, is a proper noun, specifically the name of an individual. Its base definition indicates it is synonymous with לְבָנָה (Lᵉbânâ), which is also represented by `{{H3842}}`. The root of לְבָנָה typically refers to the color "white" or, more commonly, "the moon" (from its white appearance). Thus, the name Lebana or Lebanah likely carries the semantic nuance of "white" or "moon-like," possibly evoking concepts of purity, brightness, or light. However, as a proper noun, its primary meaning is the identification of a specific person rather than a descriptive quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Lebana (or Lebanah) appears twice in the Old Testament, both times in the post-exilic lists of those who returned from Babylonian captivity. In both instances, Lebana is identified as one of the Nethinim:
* [[Ezra 2:45]]: "The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Akkub." Here, Lebana is listed as the progenitor of a family unit among the Nethinim.
* [[Nehemiah 7:48]]: "The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai." This list in Nehemiah is a near-identical parallel to that in Ezra 2, serving as a record of those who returned with Zerubbabel.
The Nethinim (Hebrew: הַנְּתִינִים - `{{H5411}}`, meaning "the given ones") were a class of temple servants, likely non-Israelites, whose duties involved the more menial tasks associated with the sanctuary, such as drawing water and cutting wood. Their inclusion in these genealogical lists underscores their recognized and essential role in the re-establishment of temple worship and community life after the exile. The repetition of Lebana's name in both Ezra and Nehemiah highlights the importance of accurately accounting for all participants in the return and the restoration efforts, including those in supporting roles.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation is to לְבָנָה (Lᵉbânâ, `{{H3842}}`), which means "moon" or "white." This etymological connection, while not directly impacting the person's function, provides a potential background for the name's original significance.
Conceptually, Lebana is intrinsically linked to the Nethinim (`{{H5411}}`). This group stands in relation to other temple functionaries:
* Priests (כֹּהֲנִים - `{{H3548}}`): Descendants of Aaron, responsible for sacrificial rites and teaching the Law.
* Levites (לְוִיִּים - `{{H3881}}`): Descendants of Levi, assisting the priests with various temple duties, including music, gates, and treasury.
The Nethinim occupied a distinct, subordinate, yet vital position within this hierarchy of temple service. Their presence in the post-exilic community signifies the comprehensive nature of the restored worship, which required diverse roles and contributions.
### Theological Significance
While Lebana is a minor figure, his inclusion in the sacred texts carries theological weight through his association with the Nethinim and the post-exilic restoration.
1. **Inclusivity of Service**: The Nethinim, including the family of Lebana, demonstrate that all forms of service, even the most humble or seemingly menial, are valuable and necessary for the functioning of God's house and the community of faith. God values the dedication of all His servants, regardless of their specific role or prominence.
2. **God's Faithfulness in Restoration**: The detailed lists in Ezra and Nehemiah, which include figures like Lebana, testify to God's meticulous care in fulfilling His promises to restore His people to their land and to re-establish proper worship. Every family group, including the Nethinim, played a part in this divine plan.
3. **Community and Identity**: The recording of these names emphasizes the importance of community identity and lineage in the post-exilic period. Each family's return was a testament to their commitment to the covenant and their desire to participate in the renewed life of Israel. Lebana's family represents a segment of the population dedicated to the practical upkeep of the temple.
### Summary
לְבָנָא (Lᵉbânâʼ, `{{H3838}}`) is a proper noun identifying an individual whose descendants were among the Nethinim, a class of temple servants. Appearing in [[Ezra 2:45]] and [[Nehemiah 7:48]], Lebana's family returned from Babylonian exile to assist in the re-establishment of temple worship in Jerusalem. Though a minor figure, Lebana's inclusion underscores the theological significance of humble service, the inclusivity of all roles within the community of faith, and God's faithfulness in orchestrating the comprehensive restoration of His people and their worship after the exile.
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