from שׂוּט; roving; Sotai, one of the Nethinim; Sotai.
Transliteration:Çôwṭay
Pronunciation:so-tah'-ee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H5479}}`, סוֹטַי (Çôwṭay), is a proper noun, specifically a personal or family name. Its etymology traces back to the verbal root `{{H7751}}` (שׂוּט, *sut*), which carries the primary meaning of "to turn aside," "to deviate," "to go to and fro," or "to rove." Thus, the name "Sotai" inherently suggests a connection to "roving" or "wandering," possibly describing a characteristic or origin of the individual or their ancestral line. As a proper name, its semantic range is confined to identifying a specific lineage within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name "Sotai" appears exclusively in the post-exilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah, identifying a family among the Nethinim. The Nethinim (נְתִינִים, from נָתַן, "to give") were a class of temple servants, often of non-Israelite origin, who performed various menial tasks for the sanctuary.
The two occurrences are:
* [[Ezra 2:55]]: "The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda," listed among those who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel.
* [[Nehemiah 7:57]]: "The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida," a parallel genealogical record detailing the same group.
In both contexts, Sotai is listed under "the children of Solomon's servants," a specific subset of the Nethinim. This designation suggests their ancestors may have been among the non-Israelites conquered by King Solomon and subsequently dedicated to temple service (cf. [[1 Kings 9:20-21]]). The inclusion of the family of Sotai in these lists emphasizes their integral, albeit subordinate, role in the re-establishment of the Jewish community and temple worship after the exile. Their return signifies a comprehensive restoration that included all classes of temple personnel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root `{{H7751}}` (שׂוּט, *sut*) is significant. While "Sotai" is a proper name, the root's meaning of "to go to and fro" or "to rove" can carry various connotations in other contexts, from aimless wandering to the purposeful movement of a messenger or an adversary (e.g., Satan "going to and fro on the earth" in [[Job 1:7]]). This potential background for the name "Sotai" suggests an interesting contrast: a family whose name implies "roving" becoming firmly rooted in the service of God's house.
The broader category of the Nethinim is crucial for understanding Sotai. This group, including families like Keros (`{{H3747}}`), Siaha (`{{H5470}}`), and Padon (`{{H6296}}`), represented those "given" or "dedicated" to the temple. Their role, though distinct from priests and Levites, was essential for the functioning of the sanctuary, highlighting the diverse contributions necessary for corporate worship.
The historical context of the return from exile in Ezra and Nehemiah is also vital. This period focuses on the themes of national restoration, the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple, and the re-establishment of covenantal life, in which the family of Sotai played a part.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of "Sotai" among the Nethinim, despite the potential "roving" connotation of their name, carries profound theological significance. It illustrates God's inclusive nature and His ability to integrate diverse individuals and groups into His redemptive purposes. The Nethinim, often of foreign or captive origin, represent those who were once outside the direct covenant community but were brought into dedicated service for the Lord. This prefigures the broader inclusion of Gentiles into God's people, a theme central to New Testament theology.
Furthermore, the presence of the family of Sotai in the post-exilic community underscores the dignity of all service rendered to the Lord. Every function, no matter how seemingly humble or menial, contributes to the corporate worship and the maintenance of God's dwelling place. Their return from exile, alongside priests and Levites, signifies the comprehensive nature of God's restoration; He remembers and restores all who are part of His household, regardless of their past or origin. Their dedication to the temple, despite a name suggesting a wandering past, highlights a transformation from aimless movement to purposeful, consecrated service.
### Summary
"Sotai" (`{{H5479}}`, סוֹטַי) is a Hebrew proper name derived from the root `{{H7751}}`, meaning "to rove" or "to turn aside." It identifies a family line among the Nethinim, temple servants who returned from Babylonian exile, as recorded in [[Ezra 2:55]] and [[Nehemiah 7:57]]. Their inclusion in the post-exilic community underscores God's inclusive plan, integrating those of diverse origins into His service. The family of Sotai, despite the potential connotation of wandering in their name, became firmly established in the sacred work of the temple, illustrating the dignity of all service to the Lord and the comprehensive nature of divine restoration.
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