Nehemiah 7 49

Nehemiah 7:49 kjv

The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,

Nehemiah 7:49 nkjv

the sons of Hanan, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar,

Nehemiah 7:49 niv

Hanan, Giddel, Gahar,

Nehemiah 7:49 esv

the sons of Hanan, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar,

Nehemiah 7:49 nlt

Hanan, Giddel, Gahar,

Nehemiah 7 verses

Nehemiah 7 49 Meaning

Nehemiah 7:49 meticulously records three specific family or clan names of the Nethinim, or "given ones," who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. These were the children of Zihah, the children of Hasupha, and the children of Tabbaoth. This verse emphasizes God's meticulous care and the importance of all who served in His house, whether Israelite by birth or by dedication, in the restoration of the worship community in Jerusalem. It underscores the foundational effort required, down to the enumeration of every household committed to supporting the temple and its functions.

Nehemiah 7 49 Context

Nehemiah chapter 7 focuses on the meticulous registration of all the returnees to Judah, following the completion of the wall of Jerusalem. This chapter is a crucial genealogical record, paralleling Ezra 2, designed to establish the rightful residents of the restored community, categorize their tribes, families, and roles, and prepare for their resettlement and the re-establishment of organized worship. The list ensures proper administration, verifies claims to land and heritage, and most importantly, identifies those responsible for the various functions of the sanctuary. Verses 46-60 specifically enumerate the Nethinim, or temple servants, highlighting their distinct, though subordinate, role alongside the priests and Levites in maintaining the temple's operations. The inclusion of these families underscores the importance of every part of the community in God's restoration plan, regardless of their historical lineage or status within Israelite society.

Nehemiah 7 49 Word analysis

• The children of: Hebrew: בְּנֵי (bĕnê), meaning "sons of" or "descendants of." This phrase indicates a familial or clan affiliation, common in biblical genealogical lists. It defines these individuals not just as single persons but as part of an established household or group.

• Zihah: Hebrew: צִיחָא (tsîcha’). The name likely means "brightness," "shining," or potentially "drought." As one of the Nethinim, this name indicates a particular clan or family dedicated to temple service. Its etymology might hint at their former geographical origin, condition, or a characteristic attributed to their progenitor, though its specific meaning for their service is not explicitly stated.

• the children of: Same as above, reiterating the structure of familial identification.

• Hasupha: Hebrew: חֲסוּפָא (ḥasûp̄ā’). The name may mean "stripped," "bare," or "exposed." This could allude to their status as captured individuals or a clan whose origin led to a more exposed or humble position within the community, fitting the Nethinim’s role as subservient temple workers. It signifies another distinct family unit among the Nethinim.

• the children of: Same as above, maintaining the list's pattern.

• Tabbaoth: Hebrew: טַבָּאוֹת (ṭabbā’ôt). This name potentially means "rings" or "seals." The connection to "seals" might suggest a role involving verification, recording, or the secure handling of temple properties, though this is speculative. "Rings" might refer to something architectural or adornment-related. Regardless, it denotes another Nethinim family whose ancestral name formed their clan identifier within the post-exilic community.

• The children of Zihah, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,: This repeating phrase "the children of [name]" serves as a liturgical and historical device. It methodically enumerates the specific family units of the Nethinim, providing a meticulous and comprehensive record. This pattern affirms the communal and genealogical nature of the returned exiles, highlighting that entire households and clans were committed to specific roles within the restored worshipping community, not just individuals. It also underscores the thoroughness with which God ensures His temple is served and sustained.

Nehemiah 7 49 Bonus section

The Nethinim (Hebrew: הַנְּתִינִים, hanNetīnīm, "the given ones") likely consisted of foreigners, captives of war, or their descendants who had been dedicated to the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. While their exact origin is debated, a prominent theory traces their role back to the Gibeonites (Josh 9), whom Joshua swore to keep alive but assigned to be "woodcutters and water carriers" for the congregation and the altar of the LORD. King David later organized them further, alongside the Levites, for temple service (Ezra 8:20). Their hereditary dedication meant they formed a recognized guild, contributing significantly to the logistical support of temple worship. Unlike the priests and Levites, who were of Israelite lineage, the Nethinim were often of non-Israelite origin, serving under the Levites. Their precise enumeration in Nehemiah, matching Ezra, indicates their importance for maintaining accurate records of temple personnel and resources post-exile, as they would have been allocated provisions and designated living areas, such as Ophel (Neh 11:21). Their presence exemplifies God's covenant inclusivity, showing that even those not born into the covenant community could become integral participants in its worship life through dedication and service.

Nehemiah 7 49 Commentary

Nehemiah 7:49, listing merely three names from the numerous Nethinim, provides a small window into the large, diverse, and often overlooked group of temple servants crucial for the proper functioning of the sanctuary after the return from exile. These "given ones" were distinct from priests and Levites, yet their roles in practical service – from temple maintenance to carrying burdens and preparing sacrifices – were indispensable. Their detailed inclusion in this comprehensive roster in Nehemiah is not arbitrary; it affirms their recognized status and essential contribution to the spiritual and social reconstruction of Jerusalem. It reminds us that in God's plan, every dedicated member, regardless of their origin or perceived status, has a vital and honored place in the work of His kingdom, showcasing divine order and valuing communal effort in restoration. It demonstrates the meticulous divine concern for all who serve in God’s house.