Question 1

What does Ezra 2:43 mean?

Accepted Answer

Ezra 2:43 lists three families of the Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, and the children of Tabbaoth. This verse is part of a census recording the groups who returned from exile to Jerusalem, specifically mentioning temple servants. Ezra is recounting the names of those who came back from Babylonian exile under Zerubbabel’s leadership. The Nethinims were a group assigned to assist the Levites with temple duties. By naming these families, the verse highlights the careful record-keeping of those who served in the temple and their importance in restoring worship in Jerusalem.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Ezra 2:43

Accepted Answer

נְתִינִים (Nethinims, nethinim): This word refers to a group of temple servants, often understood as people given ("nathan" means "to give") for service to the temple. Their mention shows the structured support roles in temple worship. בֵּן (ben, children): This word means "son" or "descendant," indicating family lines or clans. The repeated use emphasizes the importance of lineage and continuity among the temple servants. צִיחָא (Ziha, tsiḥa), חֲסוּפָא (Hasupha, ḥasupha), טַבָּעוֹת (Tabbaoth, tabbaoth): These are family or clan names among the Nethinims. Their inclusion shows that even those in supporting roles were carefully recorded and valued.

Question 3

Why Ezra 2:43 matters

Accepted Answer

The verse clarifies that not only priests and Levites but also temple servants were considered essential to the restored community, showing the broad base needed for temple life. Listing these families by name underlines the importance of every group in Israel’s religious restoration, not just the leaders or prominent tribes. This careful record-keeping connects to the larger theme in Ezra of reestablishing identity and continuity after exile, emphasizing the value of each person and family in the community’s spiritual life.

Ezra 2:43 (KJV)