The temple servants: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The "Nethinim" were not just servants, but were "given" ones, a class of people originally dedicated to the Temple's menial tasks from various sources like captives or even, traditionally, the Gibeonites. This shows that even those whose origins were through conquest or foreign descent could find a place in God's service.
The temple servants: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage lists descendants returning from exile, focusing on specific groups who served in the Temple. Following the record of priests and Levites, it details the Nethinim, temple servants who performed more menial tasks, tracing their origins back to captives given for service. This enumeration highlights the diverse roles and people involved in rebuilding the community and its worship after their return to Jerusalem.
This list in Ezra names specific families, but who exactly were these people? Their name hints at their story.
The Nethinim were a distinct group dedicated to serving in the Temple.
These individuals performed the 'lowest' jobs in the Temple. Does that mean they were unimportant?
Though often seen as servants or even 'slaves' to the Temple, the Nethinim held a vital and honorable place in God's house.
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Understand the original words
netinim · Hebrew Noun
Non-Israelite laborers or individuals of servile status dedicated to the service of the temple. They represent the inclusion of various peoples in the periphery of God's house to assist in its maintenance and the performance of holy tasks.
The mention of the Nethinim, or 'given ones,' in Ezra's list highlights their long history as temple assistants, whose service originally stemmed from captured peoples and was later reinforced by David. Their inclusion in the return from exile underscores the continuity of God's people and the diverse roles within His worship.
c. 1400 BC
Gibeonites Become Temple Servants
The Gibeonites, a Canaanite people, deceive Joshua into a treaty and are consequently assigned to serve the Israelites as 'hewers of wood and drawers of water' for the tabernacle and later the Temple.
c. 1000 BC
David Appoints More Temple Servants
King David and his princes dedicate additional individuals, likely captives of war or those in need of service, to assist the Levites in their duties at the sanctuary.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy Solomon's Temple, and exile much of the population, including priests and Levites, disrupting the established order of Temple service.
538 BC— this verse
Cyrus's Decree for Return
King Cyrus of Persia allows the exiled Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, initiating a period of restoration and resettlement.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The rebuilt Second Temple is dedicated, marking a significant milestone in the return from exile and the reestablishment of worship, with various groups of people returning to their roles.
This passage details the Gideonites being 'given' to serve the Israelites, which directly relates to the Nethinim's role as 'given ones' for temple service, highlighting their historical roots.
1 Chronicles 9:2This verse provides context for the Nethinim, describing them as those who 'dwelt in their possessions' in their cities, offering a broader view of their community and role alongside the priests and Levites.
Ezra 8:20This verse mentions that some of the Nethinim were 'given' by David and the princes for the service of the Levites, reinforcing the idea of their appointment to specific duties within the temple structure.
Numbers 31:47This passage records Moses dedicating spoils from the Midianite campaign, including captives, to the service of the Levites, suggesting an ancient precedent for how individuals could be 'given' for sanctuary duties.
henryEzra 2:36-63: "The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three."
2:36-63 Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
pooleEzra 2:43: "The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,"
The Nethinims; the persons devoted to the inferior services of the priests and Levites; of whom see 1 Chronicles 9:2 .
The "Nethinim" were not just servants, but were "given" ones, a class of people originally dedicated to the Temple's menial tasks from various sources like captives or even, traditionally, the Gibeonites. This shows that even those whose origins were through conquest or foreign descent could find a place in God's service.
This passage lists descendants returning from exile, focusing on specific groups who served in the Temple. Following the record of priests and Levites, it details the Nethinim, temple servants who performed more menial tasks, tracing their origins back to captives given for service. This enumeration highlights the diverse roles and people involved in rebuilding the community and its worship after their return to Jerusalem.
This passage lists descendants returning from exile, focusing on specific groups who served in the Temple. Following the record of priests and Levites, it details the Nethinim, temple servants who performed more menial tasks, tracing their origins back to captives given for service. This enumeration highlights the diverse roles and people involved in rebuilding the community and its worship after their return to Jerusalem.
"The temple servants: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth," — The "Nethinim" were not just servants, but were "given" ones, a class of people originally dedicated to the Temple's menial tasks from various sources like captives or even, traditionally, the Gibeon…
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Last reviewed October 2026