Ezra 2:58
All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.
Original Language Analysis
כָּ֨ל
H3605
כָּ֨ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַנְּתִינִ֔ים
All the Nethinims
H5411
הַנְּתִינִ֔ים
All the Nethinims
Strong's:
H5411
Word #:
2 of 9
the nethinim, or temple-servants (as given to that duty)
וּבְנֵ֖י
and the children
H1121
וּבְנֵ֖י
and the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
were three
H7969
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
were three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
6 of 9
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
Cross References
1 Chronicles 9:2Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.1 Kings 9:21Their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel also were not able utterly to destroy, upon those did Solomon levy a tribute of bondservice unto this day.Joshua 9:21And the princes said unto them, Let them live; but let them be hewers of wood and drawers of water unto all the congregation; as the princes had promised them.Joshua 9:23Now therefore ye are cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God.Joshua 9:27And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose.
Historical Context
This verse totals the Nethinim (verses 43-54) and Solomon's servants (verses 55-57), who performed menial temple tasks during the Second Temple period (515 BC-70 AD). Though only 392 returned compared to thousands of other returnees, they were essential to temple function—without water carriers and wood choppers, sacrifices could not proceed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's careful counting of 392 humble servants challenge your evaluation of "significant" ministry?
- What faithful service are you performing that feels too small to count but that God records in His book?
- How does Jesus's affirmation of "cups of cold water" ministry encourage you to faithfulness in obscurity?
Analysis & Commentary
All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two—The combined census of temple servants: 392 souls. The Hebrew kol (all) emphasizes completeness—every servant was counted and valued. This small number (compared to 4,289 priests and Levites in verses 36-42) underscores their humble status, yet their inclusion in sacred Scripture dignifies their service.
The number 392 itself teaches spiritual mathematics: God counts what the world overlooks. Jesus valued the widow's two mites (Mark 12:42-44) and promised that "whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water" receives reward (Matthew 10:42). Quality of devotion, not quantity of status, determines spiritual worth.