These aren't just names; they represent the "Nethinim," a group specifically "given" to assist the Levites in the temple, often originating from captives or foreign peoples. Their inclusion highlights that the rebuilding of the temple involved not just the priestly and Levite families, but also those in the humblest, most dutiful roles, showing God's intricate plan for His people's service.
The temple servants: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth, the sons of Keros, the sons of Siaha, the sons of Padon, the sons of Lebanah, the sons of Hagabah, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hagab, the sons of Shamlai, the sons of Hanan, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar, the sons of Reaiah,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse names a specific group returning to Jerusalem, the "Nethinim," who were essentially temple servants or assistants to the priests and Levites. Their inclusion in this list, immediately following other priestly and Levitical families, highlights the diverse roles and people involved in rebuilding the Temple community. These individuals, whose ancestors were likely captives or foreigners "given" to serve God's people, were crucial for the practical functioning of worship, even if they held a lower status.
This list names a specific group returning to Jerusalem. Ever wonder about their background and role?
The Nethinim were a distinct class of people devoted to serving in the Lord's Temple. The name itself, 'Nethinim,' means 'the given ones.' Their history is a bit mysterious, but they were essentially temple servants, tasked with the more laborious duties that supported the priests and Levites.
In a society that often values prominent positions, what does Scripture say about those who serve in the background?
The inclusion of the Nethinim in the census of those returning to Jerusalem, and their specific mention by name, speaks volumes about God's heart for all who serve Him, no matter how humble their task.
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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.
bene · Hebrew Noun (plural)
A term used in genealogy and census records to denote descendants of a specific ancestor or member of a social or professional group; it indicates lineage, heritage, and membership in the covenant community or a specialized guild.
Hagab · Hebrew Proper Noun
A proper noun referring to an ancestor of one of the families (Nethinim) who returned from the Babylonian exile; the name likely signifies a specific genealogical line.
Salmay · Hebrew Proper Noun
A proper noun referring to an ancestor of one of the families of temple servants.
Hanan · Hebrew Proper Noun
A proper noun meaning 'gracious' or 'favored,' identifying an ancestor of one of the returned families.
Giddel · Hebrew Proper Noun
A proper noun referring to an ancestor of a family included among the temple servants (Nethinim).
Gahar · Hebrew Proper Noun
A proper noun identifying an ancestor of one of the families that returned from exile.
Reayah · Hebrew Proper Noun
A proper noun meaning 'Yahweh has seen,' identifying a returned family line.
The Nethinim, often considered temple servants with foreign or complicated origins, are listed among those returning to Jerusalem. Their inclusion highlights that the rebuilt community wasn't just the 'pure' Israelite bloodline, but also those dedicated to God's service, regardless of their ancestry.
c. 1400 BC
Gibeonites Dedicate Themselves
The Gibeonites deceive Joshua and the Israelites into making a treaty, requiring them to serve as perpetual 'hewers of wood and drawers of water' for the sanctuary.
c. 1000 BC
David Appoints Temple Servants
King David and his princes 'give' individuals to assist the Levites in their service, likely reinforcing or expanding the role of those devoted to the Temple.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy Solomon's Temple, and exile a significant portion of the population, scattering many, including those in service roles.
c. 538 BC— this verse
First Return from Exile
Under Cyrus the Great's decree, the first wave of Jewish exiles returns to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple and the city.
This passage describes how the Gibeonites, who were tricked by Israel, were appointed to serve as 'hewers of wood and drawers of water' for the community and the altar, a role closely associated with the Nethinim. This highlights the ancient roots of those dedicated to temple service through specific circumstances.
1 Chronicles 9:2This verse provides a similar listing of those who returned and dwelt in their cities, explicitly mentioning the Nethinim alongside the Levites and priests. It reinforces their distinct but vital role within the restored community and Temple service.
Ezra 8:20This verse directly states that some of the Nethinim were appointed by David and the princes for the service of the Levites, confirming their historical designation by prominent leaders for specific duties. This shows their service was a divinely sanctioned arrangement.
Nehemiah 3:26This passage mentions the Nethinim dwelling in the Ophel (a section of the city near the Temple) and participating in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. It shows their continued presence and active involvement in the community's life and restoration efforts after the exile.
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 .
These aren't just names; they represent the "Nethinim," a group specifically "given" to assist the Levites in the temple, often originating from captives or foreign peoples. Their inclusion highlights that the rebuilding of the temple involved not just the priestly and Levite families, but also those in the humblest, most dutiful roles, showing God's intricate plan for His people's service.
This verse names a specific group returning to Jerusalem, the "Nethinim," who were essentially temple servants or assistants to the priests and Levites. Their inclusion in this list, immediately following other priestly and Levitical families, highlights the diverse roles and people involved in rebuilding the Temple community. These individuals, whose ancestors were likely captives or foreigners "given" to serve God's people, were crucial for the practical functioning of worship, even if they held a lower status.
This verse names a specific group returning to Jerusalem, the "Nethinim," who were essentially temple servants or assistants to the priests and Levites. Their inclusion in this list, immediately following other priestly and Levitical families, highlights the diverse roles and people involved in rebuilding the Temple community. These individuals, whose ancestors were likely captives or foreigners "given" to serve God's people, were crucial for the practical functioning of worship, even if they held a lower status.
"The temple servants: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth, the sons of Keros, the sons of Siaha, the sons of Padon, the sons of Lebanah, the sons of Hagabah, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hagab, the sons of Shamlai,…" — These aren't just names; they represent the "Nethinim," a group specifically "given" to assist the Levites in the temple, often originating from captives or foreign peoples. Their inclusion highlight…
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Last reviewed October 2026
