from the active participle (of the same form as the first word) feminine of an unused root (meaning to entrap) and plural of צְבִי; trap of gazelles; Pokereth-Tsebajim, one of the 'servants of Solomon'; Pochereth of Zebaim.
Transliteration:Pôkereth Tsᵉbâyîym
Pronunciation:po-keh'-reth tseb-awyeem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma פֹּכֶרֶת צְבָיִים (Pôkereth Tsᵉbâyîym), transliterated as Pokereth-Tsebajim, is a compound proper noun. The first element, פֹּכֶרֶת (Pôkereth), is derived from an unused root, likely functioning as an active participle, feminine, conveying the sense of "to entrap" or "to snare." The second element, צְבָיִים (Tsᵉbâyîym), is the plural form of צְבִי (tsevi), `{{H6643}}`, which primarily means "gazelle" or "roe," but can also denote "beauty" or "splendor." Therefore, the most direct and commonly accepted translation of the name is "Trap of Gazelles." As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to the identity of the individual or group it designates. However, the etymological meaning of the name itself carries symbolic weight, hinting at capture, gathering, or perhaps the allure of something beautiful.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Pôkereth Tsᵉbâyîym appears twice in the Old Testament, specifically within the post-exilic lists of those who returned from the Babylonian captivity to Judah with Zerubbabel.
* [[Ezra 2:57]]: "The children of the servants of Solomon: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda, the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth-Hazzebaim, the children of Ami."
* [[Nehemiah 7:59]]: "The children of the servants of Solomon: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida, the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth-Hazzebaim, the children of Amon."
In both instances, Pôkereth Tsᵉbâyîym is listed among "the children of the servants of Solomon" (בְּנֵי עַבְדֵי שְׁלֹמֹה), a distinct group often enumerated alongside the Nethinim (נְתִינִים, `{{H5411}}`). These "servants of Solomon" are generally understood to be descendants of non-Israelite peoples who were pressed into service by King Solomon for various tasks related to the construction and maintenance of the Temple and royal buildings (cf. [[1 Kings 9:20-21]], [[2 Chronicles 8:7-8]]). Their inclusion in the return lists signifies their continued dedication to the sacred service of the Lord and their integration into the restored covenant community, despite their foreign origins and subordinate status. The slight variation in spelling in Nehemiah ("Pochereth-Hazzebaim") likely indicates a minor scribal difference or an alternative vocalization, but refers to the same group.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Pôkereth Tsᵉbâyîym is intrinsically linked to several key concepts:
* **צְבִי (tsevi):** `{{H6643}}`, "gazelle," "beauty," "splendor." This word is significant not only for the literal meaning of the name but also for its broader connotations of grace, swiftness, and aesthetic value. The "trap" aspect of the name might suggest the capture of something elusive or precious.
* **Nethinim (נְתִינִים):** `{{H5411}}`, "given ones." This term refers to temple servants who were not Levites or priests, often of foreign origin, dedicated to manual labor for the sanctuary. The "servants of Solomon" share a similar functional role and are frequently grouped with the Nethinim in the post-exilic registers, highlighting their shared status as dedicated, albeit non-priestly, temple personnel.
* **Servants of Solomon (בְּנֵי עַבְדֵי שְׁלֹמֹה):** This specific designation points to a historical lineage and a particular role within Israelite society, originating from the time of King Solomon. Their continued existence and participation in the post-exilic return underscore the enduring nature of their service.
* **Exile and Restoration:** The context of the lists in Ezra and Nehemiah is the return from Babylonian exile. The inclusion of groups like Pôkereth Tsᵉbâyîym emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work, gathering all who were part of His people, even those on the periphery, back to the land and to the service of the rebuilt Temple.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Pôkereth Tsᵉbâyîym among the returnees carries profound theological significance.
* **Divine Inclusivity:** The presence of "the servants of Solomon," a group with non-Israelite origins, among those dedicated to the Temple's restoration powerfully illustrates God's inclusive nature. It demonstrates that faithfulness and service to Yahweh transcend ethnic or social distinctions, welcoming all who commit themselves to His purposes. This foreshadows the broader embrace of Gentiles into the covenant community as revealed in the New Testament.
* **Value of Humble Service:** While not priests or Levites, the "servants of Solomon" performed essential, often arduous, tasks for the functioning of the Temple. Their meticulous listing in the sacred texts elevates their humble service, affirming that all roles within God's house are valuable and recognized by Him. This emphasizes the dignity of all labor offered unto the Lord.
* **God's Gathering and Providence:** The name "Trap of Gazelles" can be seen metaphorically in light of God's sovereign hand. Just as a trap gathers elusive animals, so too did God providentially "gather" His people, including these descendants of foreign servants, from their dispersion and bring them back to Jerusalem for the rebuilding of His sanctuary. It speaks to the divine ability to draw all things into His grand design.
* **Continuity of Sacred Duty:** The return of these families signifies a continuity of sacred duty across generations, from Solomon's era to the post-exilic period. It underscores the enduring nature of the call to serve God's house and the faithfulness of those who answered that call, even centuries later.
### Summary
Pôkereth Tsᵉbâyîym, meaning "Trap of Gazelles," is a proper name appearing in the post-exilic lists of Ezra and Nehemiah, identifying a family or group among "the servants of Solomon." These were descendants of non-Israelite individuals conscripted for Temple service by King Solomon. Their inclusion among those returning from Babylonian exile highlights God's inclusive plan for restoration, embracing all who dedicate themselves to His service, regardless of origin. The presence of Pôkereth Tsᵉbâyîym underscores the divine value placed on humble service and illustrates God's providential gathering of His people for the rebuilding of His sanctuary, demonstrating the continuity of sacred duty and the broad scope of His redemptive work.
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