feminine of נָקֹד (in the figurative sense of marked); distinction; Nekoda, a Temple-servant; Nekoda.
Transliteration:Nᵉqôwdâʼ
Pronunciation:nek-o-daw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5353}}` (Nᵉqôwdâʼ), transliterated as "Nekoda," is primarily a proper noun. Its etymological root is connected to `{{H5349}}` (nāqōd), which means "spotted," "marked," or "speckled," often referring to animals (e.g., [[Genesis 30:32]]). The Strong's definition indicates that `{{H5353}}` is the feminine form of `{{H5349}}` used in a figurative sense, conveying the idea of "distinction." Thus, the name "Nekoda" inherently carries the semantic range of being "marked," "distinguished," or "noted," perhaps by a unique characteristic or status. While the proper noun itself is masculine, its underlying meaning draws from this concept of a distinctive mark or characteristic.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name "Nekoda" (`{{H5353}}`) appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively within the post-exilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah, always referring to a family or group associated with the return from Babylonian captivity.
1. **[[Ezra 2:48]]**: "The children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza..." Here, "the children of Nekoda" are listed among the Nethinim, a class of Temple servants. The Nethinim were often non-Israelites or individuals of uncertain lineage who were dedicated to serving the Tabernacle and later the Temple (e.g., [[Joshua 9:27]]). Their inclusion in this list of returnees underscores their vital role in the re-establishment of Temple worship in Jerusalem. This context suggests a "distinction" of service.
2. **[[Nehemiah 7:50]]**: This verse presents an almost identical list to [[Ezra 2:48]], again placing "the children of Nekoda" among the Nethinim who returned. This repetition emphasizes their established identity and function within the restored community.
3. **[[Ezra 2:60]]**: "The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty-two." This passage refers to a different group of returnees who "could not show their fathers' houses and their lineage, whether they were of Israel." This is a crucial distinction. Unlike the Nethinim who were known Temple servants, this group of Nekoda's descendants faced a challenge to their Israelite identity due to unverified lineage. The name "Nekoda," meaning "marked" or "distinguished," takes on a poignant significance here, as this family was "marked" by the uncertainty of their heritage.
4. **[[Nehemiah 7:62]]**: This verse mirrors [[Ezra 2:60]], again listing "the children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda" among those whose lineage was questioned. The consistent mention across both accounts highlights the importance of genealogical purity for the post-exilic community, especially for those seeking to serve in priestly or Levitical roles.
The dual appearance of "Nekoda" – once among the Nethinim and once among those with questioned lineage – suggests either two distinct families bearing the same name or, more likely, a complex situation where some descendants of Nekoda were recognized as Nethinim while others struggled to prove their Israelite ancestry. In both cases, the name "Nekoda" aptly describes a group "marked" or "distinguished" by their particular status within the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H5353}}` is its root, `{{H5349}}` (nāqōd), which denotes being "spotted," "marked," or "speckled." This root is used to describe Jacob's speckled and spotted flocks in Genesis (e.g., [[Genesis 30:32]], [[Genesis 30:33]], [[Genesis 30:35]], [[Genesis 31:8]], [[Genesis 31:10]], [[Genesis 31:12]]). The figurative extension to "distinction" for `{{H5353}}` highlights a semantic shift from a physical mark to a social or identity-based one.
Related concepts include:
* **Nethinim**: The class of Temple servants, often distinct from the Levites and priests, who performed menial tasks. Their very designation implies a "distinction" in their service.
* **Lineage and Genealogy**: The meticulous record-keeping of family lines in Ezra and Nehemiah underscores the profound importance of identity and heritage for the covenant community, especially in the context of the return from exile and the re-establishment of the nation.
* **Purity Laws**: The emphasis on unblemished lineage, particularly for those in religious service, reflects the broader Old Testament concern for ritual and communal purity.
### Theological Significance
The name "Nekoda" and the families associated with it offer subtle but significant theological insights. The concept of "distinction" or being "marked" plays out in several ways:
1. **Divine Ordering of Service**: The Nethinim, including the children of Nekoda, were "marked" for specific service to the Lord's house. Despite their potentially non-Israelite origins or lower status, their dedicated work was essential for the functioning of the Temple. This illustrates God's sovereign inclusion of diverse individuals in His redemptive plan and the value of all forms of service within His kingdom.
2. **Identity and Belonging in the Covenant Community**: The struggle of some "children of Nekoda" to prove their Israelite lineage highlights the deep theological importance of identity within God's covenant people. For the post-exilic community, knowing one's tribal and family background was crucial for land inheritance, social standing, and eligibility for priestly duties. This tension between a "marked" or uncertain identity and the desire for full inclusion speaks to the challenges of belonging and the meticulousness with which God's people sought to maintain their distinctiveness.
3. **God's Providence Amidst Uncertainty**: Even when lineage was unclear or status was "marked" as distinct (like the Nethinim), God's plan for the restoration of Israel moved forward. The inclusion of groups like the children of Nekoda, whether as dedicated servants or as those striving for full recognition, demonstrates God's ability to work through all circumstances and integrate various elements into His overarching purpose for His people. Their very presence in the sacred records testifies to their place, however distinct, within the unfolding divine narrative.
### Summary
`{{H5353}}` (Nekoda) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "distinction" or "marked," derived from a root signifying "spotted" or "speckled." Biblically, it refers to a family or group that returned from Babylonian exile, appearing in two distinct contexts in Ezra and Nehemiah. Firstly, "the children of Nekoda" are listed among the Nethinim, dedicated Temple servants, signifying a "distinction" of service. Secondly, another group identified as "the children of Nekoda" were unable to prove their Israelite lineage, thus being "marked" by an uncertain heritage. Theologically, the name and its occurrences underscore the divine ordering of diverse roles within the covenant community, the profound importance of identity and lineage in ancient Israel, and God's sovereign providence in bringing together all necessary elements for the restoration of His people, regardless of their unique "marks" or distinctions.
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