Nehemiah 11:21 kjv
But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims.
Nehemiah 11:21 nkjv
But the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel. And Ziha and Gishpa were over the Nethinim.
Nehemiah 11:21 niv
The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, and Ziha and Gishpa were in charge of them.
Nehemiah 11:21 esv
But the temple servants lived on Ophel; and Ziha and Gishpa were over the temple servants.
Nehemiah 11:21 nlt
The Temple servants, however, whose leaders were Ziha and Gishpa, all lived on the hill of Ophel.
Nehemiah 11 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Josh 9:27 | And that day he made them hewers of wood and drawers of water... for the altar of the LORD. | Origin of some "given ones" (Gibeonites) |
| 1 Chr 9:2 | Now the first inhabitants who lived in their possessions in their cities were Israel... and the Netinim. | Netinim returned to dwell with Israel |
| Ezra 2:43-58 | The Netinim: the children of Ziha... the children of Gispa... | Listing of Netinim families and leaders |
| Neh 7:46-60 | The Netinim: the children of Ziha... the children of Gispa... | Parallel listing of Netinim families and leaders |
| Ezra 8:20 | Also some of the temple servants, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service... | Netinim dedicated by David for temple service |
| Neh 11:1 | Now the leaders of the people lived in Jerusalem... a tenth of the people came to live in Jerusalem. | Repopulation of Jerusalem |
| Neh 3:26 | Moreover, the temple servants living on Ophel made repairs up to... | Netinim's participation in wall repair |
| 2 Chr 27:3 | He [Jotham] built the upper gate of the house of the LORD, and he built much on the wall of Ophel. | Mention of Ophel as part of Jerusalem |
| 1 Kin 9:20-21 | All the people who were not of the children of Israel, their descendants... Solomon subjected them to forced labor... to this day. | Background to temple servant labor |
| Num 3:9 | You shall give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are wholly given to him. | Levites "given" for service |
| Num 8:19 | I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the people of Israel... to make atonement. | Levites as a divine gift for service |
| 1 Cor 12:4-6 | Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit... varieties of service... and varieties of activities... | Diversity of service in God's household |
| Rom 12:6-8 | Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us... he who leads, with diligence... | Leadership roles in the community of faith |
| 1 Tim 3:1-7 | The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. | Qualifications for church leadership |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry... | Equipping for service and ministry |
| Mk 10:45 | For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. | Example of servant leadership |
| Matt 20:26 | It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant. | Principle of Christian servant leadership |
| Ps 84:10 | For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God... | Desire for humble service in God's house |
| Col 3:23 | Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. | All work, including menial, is for the Lord |
| Neh 11:2-3 | And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem... | Commendation for those who repopulated Jerusalem |
Nehemiah 11 verses
Nehemiah 11 21 Meaning
Nehemiah 11:21 describes the living arrangements of a specific group known as the "temple servants," or Netinim, indicating they resided in the Ophel district of Jerusalem. It also specifies that two individuals, Ziha and Gispa, held positions of leadership over this particular group, highlighting their organized and structured role within the post-exilic community. This verse places a particular group, despite their traditionally humble tasks, within the carefully managed repopulation of Jerusalem, ensuring that all necessary functions for the re-establishment of the city and temple worship were accounted for.
Nehemiah 11 21 Context
Nehemiah chapter 11 details the repopulation of Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian exile. Prior chapters describe the rebuilding of the walls and the community's commitment to the Law. Chapter 11 lists the various families and groups who chose to reside within Jerusalem, a decision that often meant sacrifice, as agricultural land was outside the city. The overall purpose of this repopulation was to establish Jerusalem as the political and spiritual capital once more, requiring diverse inhabitants for its proper functioning and defense. Within this context, the verse specifically highlights the Netinim, emphasizing that even those dedicated to supporting roles within the temple, often menial, were integral to the community's structure and the operation of the Lord's house. Their assigned dwelling on Ophel, a secure, elevated area near the Temple Mount, underscored their crucial proximity and availability for service.
Nehemiah 11 21 Word analysis
But: This conjunction signifies a continuation or a slight shift in focus from the general census of inhabitants, bringing specific attention to this group.
the temple servants: Hebrew: נְתִינִים (Netinim), meaning "given ones" or "appointed ones." These were historically individuals or groups, often of non-Israelite origin (like the Gibeonites of Josh 9), who were dedicated to menial work in the temple, such as hauling water, splitting wood, or carrying burdens, thus supporting the priests and Levites. They were essential for the daily operations of the sanctuary.
lived: Indicates their settled residency in this particular area, implying a designated or intentional arrangement for their community.
on Ophel: Hebrew: הָעֹפֶל (ha'Ophel), literally "the Ophel." This refers to a fortified hill or ridge south of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It was a strategic, defensible part of the city, likely chosen for its proximity to the temple, enabling the Netinim to perform their duties efficiently. Its mention highlights the strategic organization of the returning community.
and Ziha: Hebrew: צִיחָא (Tziḥa). A specific individual whose name appears in the genealogical lists of the Netinim (Ezra 2:43; Neh 7:46). His mention as a leader emphasizes the organizational structure within the Netinim group.
and Gispa: Hebrew: גִּסְפָּא (Gispa). Another individual also named in the Netinim lists (Ezra 2:43, spelled "Gispa" in Ezra but often rendered "Hasupha" in some texts parallel to Neh 7:46). His joint mention with Ziha signifies shared leadership or oversight of the temple servants.
were over: Indicates that Ziha and Gispa held positions of authority or supervision. This points to the self-governance or internal hierarchy among the Netinim, ensuring order and accountability for their specific services. Their leadership facilitated the overall functioning of temple services by managing their assigned labor force.
the temple servants lived on Ophel: This phrase connects their identity (temple servants) to their location (Ophel). It implies a strategic and practical decision to house them close to the temple for efficient daily operations and a designated community life within Jerusalem.
Ziha and Gispa were over the temple servants: This phrase highlights the existence of leadership within the Netinim group. It demonstrates a structured society even among those performing essential but less prominent tasks, emphasizing that all parts of God's household required oversight and organization. Their role ensured effective coordination of their valuable labor.
Nehemiah 11 21 Bonus section
The Netinim's historical background as potentially forced laborers, later integrated into temple service under figures like David and Solomon, illustrates a profound spiritual transformation. From foreign captives, they became dedicated "given ones," essential to the tabernacle and temple worship, a testament to God's redemptive work even in unusual circumstances. Their continuous mention across books (Joshua, Ezra, Nehemiah) and their specified living area and leadership underscore the meticulous biblical record-keeping for every component of the restored Israelite community, signaling the importance of every part of the "body" in serving the Lord. Their humble service ensured that priests and Levites were free to focus on the sacrificial system, teaching the Law, and leading worship.
Nehemiah 11 21 Commentary
Nehemiah 11:21 provides a succinct yet telling detail within the broader account of Jerusalem's repopulation. It underscores that even the humblest members of the returned community, the Netinim, were integral to the rebuilding effort and the functioning of sacred worship. Their designated dwelling on Ophel, directly adjacent to the temple complex, emphasizes the meticulous planning and practicality involved in Nehemiah's leadership; proximity meant efficiency in their service roles. The mention of Ziha and Gispa as leaders over the Netinim reveals the structured and organized nature of the post-exilic society. This internal governance within a group traditionally viewed as subservient speaks to the dignity inherent in all forms of service to the Lord. It teaches that every role, no matter how outwardly unassuming, is vital and requires faithful execution and leadership for the complete and orderly operation of God's purposes among His people.