Ezra 8 20

Ezra 8:20 kjv

Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name.

Ezra 8:20 nkjv

also of the Nethinim, whom David and the leaders had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim. All of them were designated by name.

Ezra 8:20 niv

They also brought 220 of the temple servants?a body that David and the officials had established to assist the Levites. All were registered by name.

Ezra 8:20 esv

besides 220 of the temple servants, whom David and his officials had set apart to attend the Levites. These were all mentioned by name.

Ezra 8:20 nlt

and 220 Temple servants. The Temple servants were assistants to the Levites ? a group of Temple workers first instituted by King David and his officials. They were all listed by name.

Ezra 8 verses

Ezra 8 20 Meaning

Ezra 8:20 details the recruitment of an additional two hundred and twenty "temple servants," known as Nethinim, to accompany the returning exiles to Jerusalem. These individuals, distinct from the Levites, were appointed to assist them in their sacred duties at the restored temple, continuing a long-standing practice attributed to King David and the ancient Israelite leaders. The verse emphasizes that each of these servants was meticulously recorded and recognized by name, underscoring the ordered and personal nature of their dedication to the Lord's service.

Ezra 8 20 Context

Ezra 8 details the preparations for Ezra's journey from Babylon back to Jerusalem with a second wave of exiles. This chapter highlights Ezra's diligence in ensuring that all necessary components for the proper re-establishment of temple worship are in place. Prior to verse 20, Ezra gathers various groups—priests, heads of families—but notes a significant shortage of Levites, who were essential for temple duties. He sends a delegation to Iddo at Casiphia to recruit more. Verse 20 comes after their successful recruitment of some Levites, indicating a further need for temple support staff and the meticulous effort to gather all required personnel. Historically, the post-exilic community was focused on rebuilding not just the physical temple but also its spiritual and administrative framework according to God's law. The inclusion of the Nethinim, "temple servants," emphasizes the practical aspects of re-establishing organized worship and the reliance on divinely established structures, some dating back to Davidic times.

Ezra 8 20 Word analysis

• also: (gam, גַּם) - Signifies addition; a continuation of Ezra's meticulous effort to gather every necessary group, not just Levites, for the arduous journey and task ahead.
• from the Levites: (miLəwiyim, מִלְּוִיִּם) - While seemingly simple, this phrase sets up the category from which the "temple servants" (Nethinim) are distinguished. These temple servants are associated with the Levites' sphere of service but are not Levites themselves.
• whom David and the leaders had appointed: (ʾăšer natənū Dāwid wəhassārîm, אֲשֶׁר נָתְנוּ דָוִיד וְהַשָּׂרִים) - Natan (נָתַן) means "to give," "to place," "to appoint." This refers to a long-standing historical precedent, emphasizing the authority and divine sanction of these positions dating back to King David's organizational efforts for the temple service (e.g., the Gibeonites mentioned in Josh 9:27, confirmed in 1 Chr 9:2, Ezr 2:43). It connects Ezra's restoration to the esteemed practices of Israel's past.
• for the service: (lāʿăbōḏat, לַעֲבֹדַת) - From ʿabōdâ (עֲבֹדָה), meaning "work," "service," or "labor." It specifically refers to the sacred duties and operations required for the efficient functioning of the Tabernacle and later the Temple.
• of the Levites: (hāLəwiyim, הַלְּוִיִּם) - Specifies whose service the Nethinim were to aid. Their role was supportive, freeing Levites for their higher-order spiritual functions.
• two hundred and twenty: (māʾataim wəʿesrīm, מָאתַיִם וְעֶשְׂרִים) - The specific numerical count indicates careful planning, detailed census-taking, and the structured organization crucial for re-establishing a proper functioning temple. Every person counted and had a specific role.
• temple servants: (Nətinim, נְתִינִים) - From the Hebrew root natan (to give). Literally "the given ones" or "those who are given." This refers to a class of non-Israelite or non-Levitical temple personnel, likely descendants of conquered peoples (like the Gibeonites) or captives who were dedicated to manual labor and menial tasks associated with the Temple (e.g., drawing water, splitting wood). They were indispensable support staff.
• All of them: (Kullām, כֻּלָּם) - Emphasizes totality; every single one among the 220 was important enough to be individually identified.
• were designated by name: (niqəbu bišəmōṭam, נִקְּבוּ בְּשֵׁמוֹתָם) - Niqəbu comes from the root naqav (נָקַב), which means "to pierce," "to prick," but also "to mark off," "to designate," "to call by name." This phrase highlights individual recognition, accountability, and the official enrollment of each person for their sacred duties. It implies that these were not just nameless laborers but recognized individuals.

Words-group Analysis

• David and the leaders had appointed for the service of the Levites: This phrase clarifies that the institution of using "temple servants" to assist the Levites was not an ad-hoc invention by Ezra but a divinely ordained, historically recognized system within Israel, giving legitimacy to the Nethinim's role. It connects the post-exilic community to the foundational principles of sacred service laid down in the Davidic era.
• two hundred and twenty temple servants: The precise number signifies administrative diligence and order within the community returning to Jerusalem. These Nethinim were crucial for the operational aspects of the temple, undertaking duties that enabled the Levites to focus on their liturgical and instructional roles.
• All of them were designated by name: This powerful phrase indicates personal identity and divine acknowledgment in service. It means their names were known, implying individual accountability for their tasks and, more profoundly, God's personal knowledge and call of those who serve in His house. This personal designation lends dignity and importance to their humble work.

Ezra 8 20 Bonus section

• The inclusion of the Nethinim, a group often considered of non-Israelite origin, highlights a facet of God's redemptive plan that extends beyond ethnic boundaries, demonstrating that dedication to His house could come from diverse backgrounds, hinting at the broader inclusiveness seen in the New Testament.
• The Nethinim serve as an ancient example of lay service and volunteerism within sacred contexts, fulfilling vital practical needs that enabled the Levitical priests to perform their spiritual functions without distraction. This foreshadows the many roles believers fulfill in supporting the spiritual work of the church.
• The meticulous counting and naming not only ensure proper administration but also emphasize the principle of accountability within the service of God. Every individual has a place and responsibility.
• Ezra's deliberate effort to secure these temple servants despite the hardship of the journey reflects leadership's responsibility to identify and mobilize all necessary resources—human and otherwise—to fulfill divine commands.

Ezra 8 20 Commentary

Ezra 8:20 offers a succinct yet profound insight into the re-establishment of sacred worship following the Babylonian exile. It showcases Ezra's meticulous attention to detail, not just in securing priestly and Levitical lines, but also the often-overlooked yet crucial "temple servants" (Nethinim). Their historical origin, possibly rooted in the Gibeonites whom Joshua bound to perpetual service, was institutionalized by David, highlighting a continuity of purpose across generations. The fact that all 220 were "designated by name" is deeply significant: it elevates their role beyond mere labor, signifying their personal value and specific calling in God's service. It underscores the divine principle that every contributor to God's work, regardless of perceived status, is personally known and affirmed. This speaks to the ordered nature of God's house and the importance of every participant's commitment and accountability. It also illustrates a divine economy where practical tasks are integral to spiritual flourishing, emphasizing that even those performing humble, behind-the-scenes duties are vital and honored by God. This mirrors the diverse gifts within the Body of Christ, where all parts are necessary and recognized.