Ezra 2:43
What does Ezra 2:43 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 2:43 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 2:43 means
The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, Hasupha, and Tabbaoth begin a long list of temple servants. Nethinim, likely descendants of those assigned to temple service in earlier times, performed practical support roles—maintenance, preparation, and assistance to Levites and priests. Listing them by many family heads emphasizes their number and importance. Though their tasks were humble, they were indispensable to the daily functioning of worship. Their inclusion signifies that restoration accounted for every necessary role, from high priestly service to the most practical work behind the scenes.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The Nethinim: sons of Ziha, sons of Hasupha, sons of Tabbaoth,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The Nathinites: the children of Siha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
Context
After priests, Levites, singers, and porters, the chapter turns to the Nethinim (vv. 43–54), naming numerous families. This extended catalog underscores how many support roles existed in temple operations. The list will continue in the following verses, accumulating a sizable cohort. After completing the Nethinim, the text will list the children of Solomon’s servants (vv. 55–58), another class of temple-related workers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Nehemiah 7:46
The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
- Nehemiah 10:28
And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinim, and all they that had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one that had knowledge, and understanding;
- 1 Chronicles 9:2
Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the Nethinim.
- Ezra 2:58
All the Nethinim, and the children of Solomon’s servants, were three hundred ninety and two.