### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Çôphereth**, represented by `{{H5618}}`, identifies a temple servant and is used as a proper name. Derived from a word for scribe, it appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses**. Its usage is specific to genealogical records, identifying the head of a family line returning from exile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5618}}` appears exclusively within two nearly identical census lists. Both Ezra and Nehemiah record the "children of **Sophereth**" as a distinct family unit among "The children of Solomon's servants" ([[Ezra 2:55]], [[Nehemiah 7:57]]). This context places **Sophereth** as an ancestral figure whose descendants were part of a group with historical ties to temple service.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of **Sophereth**:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên**: This word for **son** is used to establish lineage, as in "the children{H1121} of **Sophereth**," framing the lists around family descent [[Ezra 2:55]].
* `{{H8010}}` **Shᵉlômôh**: This is the name for **Solomon**, David's successor. The family of Sophereth is identified as belonging to the servants of **Solomon**, linking them to the era of the first temple [[Nehemiah 7:57]].
* `{{H5650}}` **ʻebed**: Meaning **a servant**, this word defines the status of the larger group to which Sophereth's family belonged [[Ezra 2:55]].
* `{{H5479}}` **Çôwṭay**: The name **Sotai**, another head of a family listed alongside Sophereth, further defining the community of Solomon's servants [[Nehemiah 7:57]].
* `{{H6514}}` **Pᵉrûwdâʼ**: Meaning **dispersion**, this name for **Peruda** appears in the same list, highlighting another family line within the same group of temple servants [[Ezra 2:55]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5618}}` is primarily historical and communal.
* **Genealogical Identity:** The name **Sophereth** is crucial for establishing the identity of a specific family line. The phrase "the children of **Sophereth**" emphasizes the importance of heritage in the restoration of the post-exilic community ([[Ezra 2:55]], [[Nehemiah 7:57]]).
* **Association with Temple Service:** By being listed among "Solomon's servants," the descendants of **Sophereth** are connected to the legacy of the temple. The term for servant `{{H5650}}` can denote a position of honor and special relationship, as when the Lord calls Jacob "my servant" [[Isaiah 44:2]].
* **Preservation of the Community:** The meticulous recording of Sophereth's lineage in these lists underscores the effort to preserve the covenant community and its structure after the exile, ensuring continuity for future generations.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5618}}` functions in scripture as a proper name marking a specific lineage. While its root suggests a role as a scribe, its biblical application is solely to identify the ancestor **Sophereth**. The name's appearance in the lists of Ezra and Nehemiah anchors this family's identity within the historical context of "Solomon's servants," highlighting the importance of heritage and continuity in the period of Israel's restoration.
TRV