Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name.

EZRA 8:20KJV
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Ezra 8:20 (KJV)

What does Ezra 8:20 mean?

Ezra 8:20 records that 220 people called Nethinims were assigned to help the Levites with their temple duties, and each one was listed by name. This verse highlights the careful organization and the importance of every individual involved in the temple service as Ezra prepared for the journey to Jerusalem.

Ezra, a priest and scribe, is gathering people for the return from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. The verse notes that King David and the leaders had originally appointed the Nethinims for service work supporting the Levites. Listing their names shows the value placed on each person’s role in the community and the seriousness with which temple service was treated.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 8:20

  • נְתִינִים (Nethinim, transliterated "Nethinims"): This word refers to a group set apart for temple service, often understood as temple servants or assistants to the Levites. Their inclusion shows the broad support needed for temple worship.
  • נָתַן (nathan, "appointed"): This verb means "to give" or "to appoint." It emphasizes that the Nethinims were officially assigned their roles, not serving by chance but by deliberate decision from leaders.
  • עֲבוֹדָה (avodah, "service"): This word means "work" or "service," specifically referring to duties related to the temple. It highlights that the Nethinims’ work was considered a real and valuable contribution.
  • לֵוִי (Levi, "Levites"): Refers to the tribe responsible for temple worship and rituals. The Nethinims supported the Levites, showing a structured hierarchy in temple duties.

Why Ezra 8:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that temple service involved many people beyond the priests and Levites, including groups like the Nethinims, each with a recognized and necessary role.
  • By mentioning that all 220 Nethinims were listed by name, the verse underscores the value of every individual’s contribution and the careful record-keeping of the returning exiles.
  • The reference to David and the princes connects the present organization to Israel’s historic leadership, showing continuity and respect for tradition as the community rebuilt after exile.

Where else these words appear

“Nethinims” Hebrew H5411 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 9:2 Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.
  • Ezra 7:7 And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
  • Nehemiah 7:60 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.

“expressed” Hebrew H5344 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 30:28 And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it.
  • 2 Kings 18:21 Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him.
  • Job 41:2 Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?

“service” Hebrew H5656 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Chronicles 23:24 These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.